Since Luka Doncic arrived to the Los Angeles Lakers, the team have taken a major step forward, emerging as serious contenders for the NBA championship. With Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves forming a new “Big Three,” the team has secured some key wins. However, according to Doncic, their recent 104-98 victory over the Houston Rockets didn’t live up to their usual standard.
The trio struggled to find their rhythm against Houston. Doncic led the group in scoring with 20 points, adding six rebounds and nine assists. James followed with 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Reaves contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.
After the Lakers‘ victory, Doncic was candid in his on-court postgame interview, admitting that this was the trio’s worst performance since they started playing together.
“I think that was our worst game as a trio,” Doncic admitted. “But I think we shared the ball great, everybody was getting their shots, pick-and-pop, pick-and-roll, everybody was involved, and that’s how we like to play”.
Steven Adams #12 of the Houston Rockets controls the ball against Austin Reaves #15 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Doncic, LeBron, and Reaves make NBA history in win over Grizzlies
Before facing the Grizzlies, Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed that he had challenged the “Big Three” to step up and lead the team to victory. “We challenged all three of them to play with a little more force, a little more pace, and a little more creativity when executing their three-man actions,” Redick shared in a press conference.
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LeBron, Luka, and Reaves responded to JJ Redick’s comments, as they became the first trio in NBA history to each record 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 2+ made three-pointers in the same game during their win over Memphis.
Reaves led all scorers with 31 points, adding seven rebounds and eight assists. Doncic followed with 29 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, while James contributed 25 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.
What’s next for the Lakers?
After a stunning loss to the Chicago Bulls, the Lakers bounced back with two crucial wins. Their next challenge comes on Thursday, April 3, when they take on the Golden State Warriors in a pivotal matchup as they continue their push to secure an NBA playoff spot.
