Luka Doncic says ‘that’s enough’

The Lakers are back. After four consecutive losses, they have finally seen the light again. Their gruelling road trip, during which they failed to secure a single victory, has come to an end. The nightmare began at the Garden, where the Celtics snapped an 11-game winning streak, and continued with defeats against the Nets, Bucks, and Nuggets.

All of this happened without LeBron James, who was injured during the first of those games and will remain sidelined for at least a few more days. His absence has slightly slowed down JJ Redick’s team, costing them ground in the battle for second place in the Western Conference—a race that also includes the Grizzlies, Rockets, and the Nuggets themselves. As a result, the Lakers have slipped to fifth in the standings, just one and a half games away from fourth place and the coveted home-court advantage in the first round.

The Lakers know that their championship hopes hinge on LeBron and Luka Dončić being healthy for the playoffs—the final phase where everything is at stake. The franchise is once again contending for a title after making the biggest move in NBA history, bringing the league’s most valuable asset to its most storied team.

Dončić put an end to the Lakers' losing streak with a commanding performance against the Suns, leading his team to a 106-97 victory. The Slovenian star recorded 33 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals. Although his shot selection was not ideal (8-of-20 from the field, including 4-of-11 from beyond the arc), he made 13 of his 14 free throw attempts, skilfully drawing fouls when his shots wouldn’t fall.

Austin Reaves played the role of the perfect sidekick, nearly carrying the team on his own in the previous game against the Nuggets. In a season that has cemented his status as a key contributor, Reaves tallied 28 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals—running the offense in Dončić’s absence and controlling the tempo with poise.

LeBron, the third pillar of one of the most dynamic trios in NBA history—thanks to the passing skills of all three players—watched from the bench in street clothes. After undergoing tests in Los Angeles while the team was on the road, he has rejoined the squad and is expected to return soon, restoring the team to full strength.

On the other side of the court, the Suns painted a starkly different picture—disjointed, aimless, and devoid of spirit. Sitting at 11th in the West, they remain outside the playoff picture despite the Mavericks’ recent struggles—a disappointing outcome for the league’s most expensive roster. Kevin Durant, the face of a disjointed project, epitomized the team’s woes by arguing with coach Mike Budenholzer—a familiar scene for the generational talent who often finds himself at odds with his coaches. Durant’s time in Phoenix is likely to be as brief as his stints elsewhere, as his restless spirit continues to resist fitting into any market—big or small. His departure this summer seems almost inevitable, leaving his next destination shrouded in uncertainty.

Durant’s performance mirrored the Suns’ struggles: 21 points on 6-of-17 shooting, including 2-of-7 from three-point range and 7-of-10 from the free throw line. Devin Booker matched Durant’s inefficiency with 19 points on the same shooting numbers, though he added 5 rebounds and 11 assists. Bradley Beal, despite his hefty paycheck, managed just 4 points in 15 minutes—a paltry contribution. The Suns shot under 40% from the field and just 22% from three-point range (9-of-41), reflecting both the Lakers’ strong defense and the team’s internal disconnect.

Capitalising on their opponent’s weakness, the Lakers dominated the game and sent a clear message that they are back on track. Next up, they face the Spurs—an ostensibly manageable opponent—before a crucial showdown with the Nuggets, which could further intensify the battle for second place. But the most important factor remains the health of Dončić and LeBron.

If they are fit and ready for the postseason, anything is possible. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, the whispers of hope growing louder. Destiny awaits, and the Lakers intend to be ready.

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