Luka Dončić is doing what Luka Dončić does - putting up numbers, bending defenses to his will, and making the extraordinary feel routine. And right now, he’s doing it in a Lakers jersey, leading the charge for a team that’s had its share of turbulence but is still very much in the hunt, thanks in large part to No. 77.
Through the season so far, Dončić is averaging a league-best 33.8 points per game - a stat that jumps off the page but still doesn’t fully capture the way he controls a game. His latest masterpiece? A 46-point outburst against the Bulls, his second-highest scoring night of the year, and another reminder that when Luka gets going, there’s not much a defense can do but hope he misses.
The Lakers have been up and down this season, dealing with injuries and inconsistency, but Dončić has been the constant. He’s not just the team’s best player - he’s the engine. The offense runs through him, and when he’s in rhythm, the Lakers look like a team that can make real noise come playoff time.
Head coach JJ Redick, who once shared the floor with Dončić as a teammate, knows exactly what makes him tick. After the win over Chicago, Redick offered a candid look at what it’s like coaching a player with such a unique skill set.
“He’s an engine that’s fully on,” Redick said. “He likes to create out there and that’s part of what makes him a great player.
I think because I played with him, I have a pretty good understanding of that. Not to say it doesn’t test your patience at times.
But you have to be willing to live with some of the stuff he tries because more often than not, you’re going to get a great result.”
That’s the Luka experience in a nutshell. He’s going to take risks.
He’s going to pull off moves that make you shake your head - sometimes in awe, sometimes in frustration. But more often than not, the gamble pays off.
Whether it’s a no-look skip pass to a shooter in the corner or a high-arcing step-back three with a hand in his face, Dončić plays the game with a creative freedom that few others are afforded - and even fewer can handle.
There’s a bit of Kobe Bryant in his game - not just the scoring mentality, but the willingness to shoulder the offensive load, even if it means taking a few too many shots early in the game. That tendency can disrupt the flow at times, especially when teammates are left watching instead of touching the ball. It’s something Redick has hinted at when talking about the team needing to trust each other more on offense.
As the primary ball handler, Dončić has the keys to the car. That means it’s on him to make sure everyone’s involved, not just in the second half when defenses tighten up, but from the opening tip. Ten-plus field goal attempts in the first quarter can be a double-edged sword - it sets the tone, but it can also freeze out teammates who need early touches to find their rhythm.
Still, when you tally it all up, the good with Dončić far outweighs the bad. His court vision is elite.
He sees passing angles that most players don’t even consider. His skip passes are jaw-dropping, and with defenses throwing everything at him - traps, doubles, zone looks - there’s always someone open.
Luka usually finds them.
And when he decides to score? Good luck.
Play him straight up and he’ll carve you up. Blitz him and he’ll either thread the needle with a pass or split the defense and get to the rim.
He lives at the free throw line, leading the league in attempts, which speaks to just how difficult he is to contain without fouling.
That kind of offensive gravity is rare. It’s also the reason the Lakers are on pace for a 50-win season, even with two of their top players missing significant time.
Luka’s presence alone elevates the floor of this team. He gives them a chance every night.
Redick knows that. That’s why he’s giving his superstar a little extra rope - not just to do what he does best, but to grow into the kind of leader this team needs. Coaching a talent like Dončić isn’t about reining him in; it’s about guiding the creativity, keeping the trust high, and helping him find the right balance between takeover mode and team flow.
No player is flawless. But with Luka in purple and gold, the Lakers have a foundation that’s built for the long haul. His motor doesn’t stop, and as long as it keeps running, LA’s future looks as bright as the lights on Figueroa.