EL SEGUNDO (AP) – Luka Doncic has been with the Los Angeles Lakers for over two months now, and he’s feeling fairly comfortable in his new home. He is building chemistry with his new teammates, who are getting used to his brilliant passes, prolific scoring outbursts and fiery competitiveness.
But the playoffs begin this weekend, and the Lakers know they’re about to see yet another side of their Slovenian superstar.
“I like big games,” Doncic said with his typical understatement. “The playoffs is a fun time. Everybody plays 100 per cent. It’s just fun to be out there.”
Doncic is one of the top playoff performers of his generation, and he is just one year removed from his remarkable effort in carrying the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals despite significant injuries to his right knee, left ankle and chest.
Doncic is healthier now – and he has LeBron James on his side this spring when the third-seeded Lakers begin the first round against the surging Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 on Saturday night.
While Los Angeles drew a difficult opening-round matchup for a team still assembling an identity around its new centrepiece, the Lakers expect to see something special from Doncic.
“The goal is to win a championship,” Doncic said. “I think we have a great team. We have guys that are willing to go to war. Everybody is staying together. The chemistry is high, so I think we for sure have a chance.”
