Luka Dončić's Slow Start With Lakers: Should Fans Be Worried?
Alright, Lakers fans, let’s talk about it. Luka Dončić is officially in purple and gold, and after three games, the hype train is hitting a bit of a speed bump. When the Lakers pulled off the blockbuster trade to bring in the five-time All-Star, expectations were through the roof. This was supposed to be the move that made them unstoppable. But now? Well, let’s just say the honeymoon phase is already feeling a little rocky.
Last night, the Lakers fell to the Charlotte Hornets in a surprising 100-97 loss. And let’s be real—this wasn’t the kind of game you expect from a team that just acquired one of the best players in the league. Dončić had a rough outing, shooting just 5-for-18 from the field, including a brutal 1-for-9 from deep. He did grab 11 rebounds and dish out eight assists, but those numbers don’t mean much when they’re paired with six turnovers and five fouls. Simply put, he didn’t look like the Luka we’re used to seeing dominate games.
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The biggest concern? Dončić and LeBron James still don’t seem to have figured out how to play together. When you add a superstar like Luka to a team that already has an all-time great like LeBron, you’d think the transition would be smoother. But basketball isn’t that simple. Both players are used to having the ball in their hands, controlling the offense, and setting the tempo. Right now, they look like two drivers fighting for control of the same car.
And let’s give some credit to the Hornets, too. LaMelo Ball was electric, dropping 27 points and completely outshining Dončić. His playmaking was on full display, and he even made Luka look bad on a crucial possession late in the fourth quarter. The Hornets might be struggling this season, but they came into LA and took down the Lakers when it mattered.
So, is it time to panic? No, not yet. It’s been three games. But Lakers fans should probably take a step back and realize that just because you put two elite players on the same roster doesn’t mean things will click overnight. Chemistry takes time. Adjustments need to be made.
That being said, expectations are different in Los Angeles. When you make a move this big, patience runs thin. Dončić isn’t here to “figure things out” for half a season—he’s here to win, now. And if he keeps struggling, the noise around him is only going to get louder.
The Lakers don’t have time to waste. They’ve now lost back-to-back games, and the Western Conference isn’t going to wait for them to get it together. The pressure is on, and Dončić needs to find his rhythm fast. If he doesn’t, this so-called superteam might end up being just another Hollywood illusion.
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