Luka Doncic didn’t hide from the Lakers’ collapse against the Warriors, even after putting up another huge scoring night.
The Los Angeles star is leading the NBA in scoring through the 2026-27 season, averaging 36.2 points per game over five games. That run already includes a 52-point outburst against the Utah Jazz, and on Friday he added 37 more against Golden State. For a while, it looked like Doncic was rolling toward another statement performance, especially after a 21-point first quarter.
But the Lakers let it slip away in a big way. They built a 25-point lead, then watched it disappear in a 112-95 loss to the Warriors. Doncic finished with 37 points, but he managed only 16 across the final three quarters, and that wasn’t enough to keep Los Angeles in control.
The individual matchup also tilted in his favor. Doncic outplayed his newfound rival, Yaxel Lendeborg, but the rookie still walked away with the result that mattered most. Stephen Curry added another rough moment for Doncic when he caught him with an ankle-breaker, a reminder that the night turned ugly fast for the Lakers.
For Doncic, the bigger issue was the team result. This was another loss that should sting, especially with the way Los Angeles unraveled after holding such a massive advantage. He made it clear afterward that he sees the responsibility starting with him.
"I don't know what it's going to take, obviously reps, just playing these games. The Warriors are a good example; they play defense, they shock a lot, so it was a good game for us.
Not good because we lost, but it's gonna take time for sure. I really like playing with these guys.
Me first. I got to be better.
We lose together, we win together," Doncic said about the Lakers' loss to the Warriors.
Austin Reaves echoed that same tone, taking accountability as well. The two stars have been productive, but the supporting cast has not been giving the Lakers enough. Now the challenge is getting the rest of the group to match that urgency and follow the lead from Doncic and Reaves.
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Draymond Green Just Changed What Warriors Should Want At Center
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That kind of performance changes the conversation around what Golden State should be chasing next. The Warriors are still exploring trade possibilities, including Kristaps Porzingis, but the bigger question may be whether they want a center who brings more upside and trust than the current bench options. Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans has emerged as a reported target, and the appeal is obvious: if Green can keep covering for the present, the Warriors can afford to be more selective about the future. [Read more 🡒]