newsweek
The Los Angeles Lakers endured a stunning collapse against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, surrendering a 25-point advantage in a 112-95 loss at Chase Center. The defeat raised questions about the team's ability to sustain its performance when its leading scorer is off the floor.
Doncic delivered a standout individual performance with 37 points, seven rebounds and five assists, but his teammates could not hold off Golden State's furious comeback. The Warriors dominated the fourth quarter, turning what looked like a comfortable Lakers win into a 17-point defeat.
After the game, Doncic was asked what it would take for the Lakers to become a great team. He admitted that the process would require patience, especially with several new players still adjusting to their roles.
"I don't know what it's going to take. Obviously reps, just playing these games," Doncic said. "Warriors are a good example. They play hard defense, they shock a lot. So it was a good game for us. Not good because we lost, but it was good to practice those things. But I don't know what it's going to take. It's going to take some time for sure. We got a lot of new guys. But I really like playing with these guys. So everybody can be better than this."
Head coach JJ Redick echoed a similar sentiment about the team's development, emphasizing that building a championship-caliber group is not an overnight process.
"You don't become a great team in six games. We want to become a great team after 82 games," Redick said.
Redick also highlighted the need for Doncic's teammates to step up when the star guard is resting, stressing that the Lakers cannot rely on one player to carry them every night.
"Unfortunately, Luka can't play all 48 minutes every night. It's on his teammates to keep the game even when he's resting," Redick said.
The loss leaves Los Angeles with plenty to address. Doncic's message was clear: the Lakers have talent, but turning it into consistent winning basketball will take time.
Key Analysis
The Lakers' collapse against the Warriors underscores a critical challenge: maintaining intensity and execution when Doncic is not on the court. With a substantial lead evaporating, the team's depth and resilience were called into question. Doncic's postgame comments reflect a realistic understanding that integration and growth are necessary, especially with new roster additions. Redick's emphasis on shared responsibility suggests that the coaching staff is focused on developing a more balanced attack. While the loss is painful, it may serve as a valuable learning experience as Los Angeles works toward building a cohesive unit capable of sustained success.
Originally reported by newsweek.