Last Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers took a 128-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves thanks to Luka Doncic's 49-point outing. Alas, Doncic was worse for wear physically following that contest. He suffered finger and leg injuries, necessitating a bit of rest for the Slovenian star. He missed exactly six days, as he suited up for the Lakers on Friday night in NBA Cup action against the Memphis Grizzlies, and it did not look like he skipped a beat in the process.
Doncic put up another stellar scoring performance, dropping 44 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists to lead the Lakers to a 117-112 victory over the Grizzlies. No one can ever question the talent that Doncic possesses, but he entered the year so locked in considering how much criticism he received towards the end of last season for his lack of effort on defense and his purported weight issues.
In fact, he's the first Lakers player to average over 45 points per game through their first three games of the season since Kobe Bryant did in 2007, as per Legion Hoops. The Grizzlies defense was at Doncic's mercy all night long, as no one among Jaylen Wells, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Cedric Coward could slow down the recent injury returnee.
Following another incredible outing from Doncic, Lakers fans on X were in celebration — especially so amid the Dallas Mavericks' slow start to the season and Anthony Davis' injury problems.
“Luka averaging a 40 point double double and the Mavs are last in offensive rating and would be last in DRTG as well if we didn’t get to play the weenie hut general Pacers who had like 2 of their rotation players healthy,” @Yeeeerrrrobi wrote.
“everytime I watch luka doncic play, i’m reminded of how painfully stupid the mavs are for trading him,” @clarkxindy22 added.
“I can see now why mavs were down in shambles after trading Luka. It hasn’t even been a year and I am seeing greatness,” @serg824_ furthered.
Lakers restore order with Luka Doncic back in the lineup
It was not quite clear how much longer Austin Reaves could keep up his bonkers level of play; Doncic's return insures the Lakers in the event that Reaves' production falls off from All-NBA-level in the three games that the Slovenian star missed.
Reaves, indeed, slowed down and took a backseat to Doncic. He scored just 21 points on 5-14 shooting from the field as Doncic had over double the points he had.
Nonetheless, as long as they are winning, the Lakers have to be very pleased.
