NBA

NBA News: Lakers’ Luka Doncic reveals how he is slowly returning to his prime

Los Angeles Lakers new star Luka Doncic reflected on his difficult shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves and how he is gradually returning to his prime in the NBA.

 Luka Doncic #77 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
© Ronald Martinez / Getty Luka Doncic #77 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers secured a crucial victory on Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a game filled with intensity and highlight-worthy moments. One of the most memorable plays came from Luka Doncic, who drained an almost impossible three-pointer. After the NBA game, he shared his thoughts on the shot.

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Despite struggling from beyond the arc, making just 1-of-9 three-point attempts, Doncic’s most difficult shot of the night found the bottom of the net. His shooting struggles continued in the 111-102 win over the Timberwolves, but when asked about the deep three he managed to sink, Doncic admitted even he was surprised.

A reporter questioned Doncic about the shot amid his ongoing shooting slump. His response, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, was candid: “I have no idea,” Doncic said. Some shots just go in, and some are amazing. I had no idea what was going on. But when it left my hand, I knew it was good. So, it worked.”

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He also reacted to the viral moment when cameras caught his father’s reaction after the improbable shot. He probably said, ‘Finally, he made a shot,’” Doncic joked. “I don’t think he was surprised.”

Terrence Shannon Jr. #00 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts as he drives to the basket on Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers

Terrence Shannon Jr. #00 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts as he drives to the basket on Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers

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Doncic confident he’ll return to peak form

Doncic finished with 21 points on 6-of-20 shooting, 1-of-9 from deep, 13 rebounds, and five assists against the Timberwolves. While he has remained a key contributor for the Lakers, his shooting efficiency—36.5% from the field and just 22.4% from three-point range—hasn’t been ideal. However, Doncic remains confident that his rhythm will return with time.

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“It’s a big thing for me,” Doncic said. “You have to go through a lot of downs to reach the highest point, but it’s a big challenge. Just getting back into my rhythm, making those easier shots—that’s what I’m working on. It’s a challenge, but I look forward to it.”

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LeBron backs Doncic’s return to elite form

LeBron James expressed full confidence that Doncic will find his shooting touch again, emphasizing that adjusting to a new NBA team—especially one with the prestige of the Lakers—takes time.

“It’s gonna happen,” James said, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick. We’re not worried about that. The fact that he’s still able to impact the game even without shooting well right now—that’s what makes him special.”

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Despite his shooting struggles, Doncic has made his presence felt in other areas. Through six games with the Lakers, he’s averaging 19.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. While his shooting percentages may not be where he wants them to be, Doncic’s all-around impact remains undeniable.

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