The 2024-25 NBA playoffs have commenced, and many are worried about the performance of the Los Angeles Lakers. Showing a rough start in the game, will the Lakers demonstrate a “slow and steady wins the race” and come off victorious? While the team’s position was slightly negative, the Lakers’ point guard seems to be putting in the effort to ensure maintaining of the team’s standards with their recent win. With heavyweights such as LeBron James and Luka Doncic, many don’t expect the Lakers to fall short.
The Laker’s Game 1 playoff performance
The sad game (95-117) was however a great moment for the Lakers’ point guard, Luka Doncic who scored 37 and the legend, LeBron James contributing 19 points and 5 rebounds. While these seem to be great scores against the opposition, the defences of the Lakers lacked. The Minnesota Timberwolves, showing dominance hit 21 three-pointers, setting an NBA playoff record.
Luka Doncic’s playoff dominance
His trade to the Lakers was probably the best investment the team has done with the amazing contribution Lakers ensures to bring in, every game. The label of being a Laker was a heavy one for Doncic, as the team identity comes with legendary basketball players and the expectation of it all. The 2023-24 NBA playoffs saw an outstanding 33-point average, with 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals from Doncic, and the team and fans are expecting no less this season.
Bringing in the heat in Game 1 with 37 points, the star set the tone of his performance with his first six to sixteen scores in the first 12 minutes and led his points on a 12-of-22 shooting. While the star played an amazing game, he didn’t feel his achievements as its coupled with the loss of the Lakers, saying “It was a great atmosphere,” Doncic said after the game.
“Sorry we couldn’t get the first win. But it’s always first to four. It was amazing. The crowd was amazing. They were cheering for us even when we were down, so I appreciate it.” The five-time All Star expressed disappointment in his one assist but showed the will to keep going and win it for the Lakers. The Lakers’ head coach, JJ Redick repeated what Doncic noticed in the game saying, “Definitely.
I think in the first quarter we played the way we play. We were playing physical, and then we just kind of let go of the rope,” Doncic said. “So, we have to be way more physical. It’s 48 minutes, and every possession matters.” Future games will show the strength of the Lakers with Doncic confirming, “I think just playing our game. Playing the way, we know how to play.”
The come back of the Lakers: Game 2
The rocky start of the Los Angeles Lakers, together with the evaluation of their performance from Game 1, resulted in the comeback of the team securing a 94-85 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Levelling the teams at 1-1, Luka Doncic brought in 31 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists (8 more than he had in Game 1).
Following on the score board is LeBron James who scored 21 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal which was shot 8-of-19. Shooting guard, Austin Reaves also brought in the heat with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. More amazing players brought their all, with the collective team shooting being 45.3% from the field, a collection of 45 rebounds, 20-of-20 free throws and 12 turnovers for the game.
An outstanding performance from the Los Angeles Lakers took centre stage as they solidified their positions as legendary champions, with stars such as Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves rising the team to the top. The collective effort and realisation of greatness allowed the Lakers to bring their all to Game 2, and we are sure of the consistent performance in future games. As we await the future Los Angeles Lakers games, which team do you think should take the NBA championship?
