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Luka Doncic and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
After Luka Doncic hit his first game-winner for the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James shared his honest reaction after the game. Doncic sank a fadeaway midrange jumper with 0.5 seconds left to lift the Lakers over the Denver Nuggets.
Austin Reaves initially made the game-saving play at the end of regulation to force overtime. The two teams looked exhausted in the extra minutes, with Nikola Jokic tying the score at 125 after driving hard to the basket.
The ball ended up in Doncic’s hands. He took on Spencer Jones, who did his best to stop the Lakers superstar. Doncic created enough separation to hit his first game-winner wearing the purple and gold jersey.
Tim Hardaway Jr.‘s attempt from beyond the arc on the other end was short, as the Lakers earned the 127-125 win. The Lakers have now won five in a row, improving to 42-25. Doncic finished the game with 30 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists.
James Reacts to Doncic’s Game-Winner
Speaking to reporters after the game, James was asked about Doncic’s game-winner shot against the Nuggets. The King wasn’t surprised that his superstar teammate was able to knock it down and predicts it won’t be the last game-winner of his career.
“Just a big-time shot by a f**king generational player. … We wanted the last shot,” James said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “We wanted to put the ball in our guy’s hands. So, it’s going to be just the first of many game winners like that for him and in a Lakers uniform.”
James had a fairly quiet game, finishing with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. It was his second game back since missing three games due to an elbow injury.
Doncic Feels Tired After Win
GettyLuka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Walking back to the locker room, the NBA’s camera caught up with Doncic, who was happy with the win. However, he felt tired after playing an extra five minutes, as the Lakers are at just the start of a rough schedule.
“Feel great, tired as sh*t,” Doncic said. “Gotta get some rest. Great win though, great win.”
The Lakers are set to begin a six-game road trip on Monday night, facing a talented Houston Rockets team twice in three nights. The Rockets boast a roster of studs like Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
They then fly to Florida to face a red-hot Miami Heat before a tough matchup against the Orlando Magic. Their toughest test comes in the form of the Detroit Pistons, the best team in the East. They will end the trip in a relatively easier game versus the injury-riddled Indiana Pacers.
James Set to Break Another Record During Lakers Road Trip
At the age of 41, James isn’t done breaking NBA records. The four-time champion is set to break another all-time record during the Lakers’ six-game road trip. He’s expected to become the league’s all-time leader in games played.
James has played a total of 1,608 games, trailing Robert Parish by three games. He will need to suit up for four of the next six games to put his name on the record books once again.
Juan Paolo David Juan Paolo David is a sports journalist covering basketball for Heavy. He has a decade of experience writing about the NBA and WWE. He’s currently based in the Philippines. More about Juan Paolo David
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