LeBron James Praises Luka Dončić’s 45-Point Triple-Double Mastery
LeBron James recently expressed his admiration for Luka Dončić’s extraordinary performance. This came during a thrilling game where Dončić recorded an impressive 45 points, along with 14 assists and 11 rebounds. His efforts led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 143-135 victory over the Utah Jazz.
LeBron’s Praise for Luka Dončić
Following the game, James hailed Dončić as embodying “Luka magic.” He noted, “It’s no surprise. He’s just so damn good, it’s ridiculous.” James himself contributed significantly to the win, scoring 28 points and delivering 10 assists.
Historic Triple-Double Performance
This marked Dončić’s fifth triple-double of the season and his first 40-point triple-double since joining the Lakers. Notably, he became only the second player in NBA history to achieve a 45-point triple-double with five steals, a milestone set earlier by Cade Cunningham.
Efficient Ball Control
One highlight for Dončić was his impressive ball control. He finished the game with only one turnover, which he noted was significant given his team’s overall performance. “One turnover is the best thing on this stat sheet,” Dončić remarked in the postgame press conference.
Crucial Late-Game Performance
In the fourth quarter, the Lakers held a 12-point lead. However, the Jazz clawed their way back, narrowing the gap to 134-130. Dončić then found teammate Jaxson Hayes for a crucial assist, which helped maintain their lead. Despite constant pressure from the Jazz defense, Dončić managed to score 10 points in the final quarter, contributing to a 41-29 advantage for the Lakers in that period.
Team Cohesion and Strategy
With Dončić commanding the offense, the Lakers improved their crunch-time record to 10-0 this season. This achievement is especially notable considering the absence of key players like Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton due to injuries. Coach JJ Redick acknowledged Dončić’s leadership, stating he and James together amassed 28 assists with only three turnovers.
- Game Result: Lakers 143, Jazz 135
- Luka Dončić’s Stats: 45 points, 14 assists, 11 rebounds, 1 turnover
- LeBron James’s Stats: 28 points, 10 assists
- Crunch-Time Record: 10-0 this season
- Notable Milestone: Second 45-point triple-double with five steals in NBA history
Dončić’s composure under pressure, despite frustrations during the game, left a lasting impression. Marcus Smart, a teammate, commended his focus and ability to steer the team towards victory. As Dončić acknowledged areas for improvement, his historic night reinforced his role as a pivotal player for the Lakers.
