Los Angeles Lakers bounced back in a big way with a 107-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns, powered by standout performances from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. With LeBron James sidelined due to a groin injury, the duo has shouldered the responsibility of leading the NBA team.
Following the game, Reaves spoke about how his on-court chemistry with Doncic continues to improve with each game. “On-court chemistry is a real thing. Anytime that you can log more minutes together, you’re gonna figure out how to play with one another. When you play with him, you’re gonna get good looks,” Reaves told Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet after the win.
Doncic led the charge with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while Reaves continued his stellar play with 28 points, four rebounds, and four assists, helping the Lakers secure a much-needed home victory.
Jaxson Hayes praises Doncic’s playmaking
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes also had high praise for Doncic, emphasizing his ability to make teammates better. “Man, that’s the best point guard in the league, so I trust he’s going to find me every time I get open. My job is to get him open as well. It’s like a relationship—you’ve both got to contribute something,” Hayes said in a video shared by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 28
JJ Redick on Doncic’s role without LeBron
After a tough 0-4 NBA road trip marred by injuries to both LeBron and Doncic, head coach JJ Redick addressed Doncic’s workload and how his approach remains unchanged regardless of the lineup.
see also
Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic’s chemistry with LeBron James, compared by former NBA champion
“The marching orders for him don’t change if LeBron is out of the lineup. The way I see basketball, players and skill sets have to complement each other and work together,” Redick said before the game against the Suns.
“Everybody has a role, and if you do that role well, we have a chance to win. Luka has to be Luka. The same goes for our defensive-minded guys and our shooters. You just have to be yourself, and you hope there’s enough to fill the gap when guys are out. The sum of that equals a team that has a chance to win a game.”
With LeBron’s return still uncertain, the Lakers will continue to rely on Doncic and Reaves to carry the load as they push for NBA playoff positioning.
