The serious problem of Luka Doncic's Lakers goes beyond victories

The Los Angeles Lakers struggled again with their outside shooting. Luka Doncic's three-pointers barely hit the mark, Austin Reaves' shots hit the rim, and some didn't even touch the backboard. Despite shooting just 26.3% from beyond the arc, the team with the fewest three-pointers made in the entire NBA secured their fourth consecutive victory by defeating the Utah Jazz 108-106 at the Delta Center.

The Lakers (12-4) squandered an 11-point lead with 3:33 remaining in the final quarter and witnessed Lauri Markkanen bringing the Jazz within one point with a triple 41.3 seconds before the end. However, once again, Doncic stepped up to seal the game: 33 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and a made free throw to set up the final defensive possession, which ended with a contested three-pointer by Keyonte George.

The Slovenian, despite being far from his best outside shooting night — 3 for 12 from three-point range — sent a clear message about the team's current state.
“We didn’t play our best game, yet we still found a way to win. That's what great teams do,” he stated.

Austin Reaves also struggled from the perimeter (1 for 8), but he managed a valuable double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Despite the difficulties, the team's overall numbers remain elite: the Lakers lead the NBA in shooting percentage (50.9%) and two-point accuracy (62.2%), while ranking fourth in effective field goal percentage (57.2%). All this while being the fifth-worst team in three-point percentage (33.3%) and yet holding the second-best record in the West.

With his usual irony, Doncic downplayed the shooting slump. “Obviously, I think AR and I haven’t made a shot all season,” he sarcastically said. “So I'm not worried. When we start hitting, it's going to be very hard to defend us.”

Redick highlights the team's unity

Coach JJ Redick once again praised the locker room cohesion and the team's ability to adapt even when shots aren't falling. The only exception, he recalled, were the hefty losses against Atlanta and Oklahoma City. Against Utah, the game demanded a defensive spark, and that's where Maxi Kleber stepped up.

With no minutes in the first half, the German entered after Deandre Ayton's injury — a knee contusion — and disrupted the game: despite scoring only two points and grabbing three rebounds, his physical presence helped halt the Jazz's comeback. With him on the court, the Lakers outscored 16-9 in the third quarter.

Reaves didn't hesitate to acknowledge his contribution: “He was one of the best players for us tonight,” he stated. “Energy, effort, his style of play, and the plays he made.”

Redick didn't provide updates on Ayton's condition. Without the center, the team could rely more on Jaxson Hayes and Kleber himself, or perhaps regain Jarred Vanderbilt.

Meanwhile, LeBron James, in his second game of the season after overcoming sciatica, finished with 17 points and eight assists. He explained that the feeling was almost identical to the first game after a four-day break with no activity.

A Good Break for the Lakers

Luka Doncic explained that the rest was valuable physically, although he acknowledged it also affected the competitive rhythm. Nevertheless, the free time served to strengthen internal chemistry through group dynamics, including a visit from Snoop Dogg and a pickleball tournament.

Amid laughter, he recounted his dominance in the semifinal against Redick, teaming up with assistant Ty Abbott. Beyond the anecdotes, he emphasized the importance of these bonds in maintaining stability amidst a shooting slump.

“It's nice, but I wouldn't say it's a surprise,” he noted regarding the team's strength. “I enjoy playing with these guys, and that's what it's all about.”

For Doncic, the Lakers' identity is clear: defend, compete, and find ways to win even when shots aren't falling. And if the outside shooting accuracy aligns someday, his warning is already issued.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El grave problema de los Lakers de Luka Doncic más allá de las victorias