Keeping up with Dončić

When Luka Donéié opened the 2025-26 season for the Lakers with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in a loss to the Warriors, one thought lingered in fans’ minds: The engine is revving.

- ANTHONY L. CUAYCONG

A couple of days later, the five-time All-Star dropped 49 to bring his total to a franchise-best 92 in two outings. On surface, it’s the high-octane offense the purple and gold have long sought. Underneath, however, there are noticeable cracks.

For all the brilliance Donéi¢ is displaying, the Lakers have shown signs they can’t keep up. Against the Warriors in the opener, they committed 20 turnovers, were outscored by 10 in the third quarter, and generally looked lost. And while their next appearance at Crypto.com Arena ended in victory, it came after they exceeded expectations (59.2% shooting overall, 41.4% from three) against the Timberwolves.