Luka Doncic has obviously made a major impact on the Los Angeles Lakers and given them at least some hope that they can do something special over the next couple of months. In March, his first full month as a member of the team, he put up some monster numbers.
While he shot just 43.1% from the field, he averaged 30.1 points, as well as 8.6 assists, 8.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals a game. He reached the 30-point mark nine times in 15 games during March, and he went off for 45 points in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 13.
Doncic also shot 40.5% from 3-point range in March, which allowed him to set a new Lakers franchise record for the most 3-pointers made in a single month with 64.
According to StatMuse, the previous team record for the most treys hit in a single month was held by D’Angelo Russell, who knocked down 51 of them in January 2024.
The Slovenian superstar, who turned 26 years of age on Feb. 28, also became the youngest Lakers player since Kobe Bryant to average 30 points a game in a month.
Despite Praising Luka Doncic, Dwyane Wade Shared “Liabilities” That Coach Redick Needs to Solve
Ever since the massive trade, Luka Doncic’s arrival seems to have brought fresh air to the Lakers team. There were some doubts if the Slovenian could partner up with LeBron James, but the partnership on the court is smooth. Even though there were critics, Dwyane Wade, from the first day of the trade, was a fan of it. He responded with his own GIF, saying, “I love this.” However, the Heat icon recently shared some advice not only for Doncic but also for JJ Redick.
“Enter Luca with the Lakers. JJ and that staff has to teach Luca how to be a better Defender, and this doesn’t mean he need to be locked down.” The 3x NBA champion explained on the latest episode of his podcast. “So, when I look at Luca, and we all know that Luca is amazing with the basketball, he’s magical. But, we also know he has he has some liabilities on the defensive end of the floor. Everyone knows this.” There have been questions regarding the 5x All-Star’s defensive contributions, even during the finals run last year with the Mavericks.
Since the Purple and the Gold team doesn’t have Anthony Davis, they will have to find other solutions to help out Doncic. Dwyane Wade shared his thoughts process, which might help the Lakers’ head coach. “So what are y’all doing Lakers? What are you doing, JJ as a coaching staff, to make sure that you, one, cover up for him but, two, put him in a position where you make it easy for him and simplify him being a better defender.” In order to drive the point home, the 43-year-old shared a personal story involving former All-Star and current GM for the Atlanta Hawks.
D-Wade was talking about facing Kyle Korver one-on-one during their playing days. “He couldn’t guard me one-on-one but he understood how to guard me with a system and a team…” The former NBA veteran was never known as a rigid defender, but against the Heat icon, he would always measure up. “Because he was smart and they put him in a position to win.”
Dwyane Wade is not the only one who questions the Lakers’ defensive ability
No doubt there is an improvement in the team’s success on the hardwood. The team even reached the number 2 seed in the West at one point and is currently #4. 10 days ago, the team suffered one of the most embarrassing defeats as they let the opposition drop 146 points against them. It was LeBron James’ return game from injury, but the Bulls spoiled it with a 31-point win (146-115).
“C’mon Lakers, where was the defense last night? There’s no way they should have allowed the Chicago Bulls to score 145 points, especially getting ready for the Playoffs!” 5x NBA Champion and legend of the franchise Magic Johnson expressed his disappointment at the loss. Even though Luka Doncic scored 29 of his 34 points in the first half and hit eight 3-pointers, it wasn’t enough to stop the Bulls.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Purple and Gold franchise. Currently, they are 11th in the league for points conceded per game (112.2). Plus, the defensive rating as per basketball reference is 114.4 (14th in the league). But with playoff soon starting, they will have to tighten up the screws as Magic Johnson and Dwyane Wade mentioned.
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