The Lakers faced a tough night against the Celtics, falling 111-89 in a game that highlighted some glaring issues. Despite the presence of their star trio, the team struggled to find cohesion on the court. Luka Doncic, who led the Lakers with 25 points, addressed the media post-game, shedding light on the challenges they faced.
Doncic was candid about the team's performance, acknowledging that the synergy among the big three is still a work in progress. "We’re not there yet," he admitted, while also expressing optimism about their potential. Doncic's stat line was solid, with 25 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a block, shooting 40.9% from the field and an impressive 57.1% from three-point range.
LeBron James added 20 points, four rebounds, and five assists, but struggled with his shot, particularly from beyond the arc, hitting just 20%. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, though he didn’t get enough opportunities to make a significant impact.
The trio combined for 60 of the Lakers' 89 points, underscoring the lack of offensive support from the rest of the team. No other player reached double figures, a point that JJ Redick highlighted when critiquing the team's overall offensive performance.
Injuries have been a constant hurdle for the Lakers, with this being only the 11th game the trio has played together this season. Despite this, Doncic was clear that the team needs to improve offensively, particularly against a physical Celtics defense. "We needed to play better offense," he remarked, noting the low scoring output.
The loss drops the Lakers to a 34-22 record. They’ll look to bounce back as they host the Magic in the last game of their home stretch before heading to Phoenix to face the Suns. The road ahead demands better chemistry and execution if the Lakers hope to turn their potential into consistent performance.