‘This is my fourth game,’ Dončić said. “Chemistry requires patience.” Today, you witnessed that things are improving. Luka Dončić’s breakthrough performance with the Lakers ends Denver’s nine-game winning streak, and it gets better every day.

When the Los Angeles Lakers made their unexpected deal for Luka Dončić earlier this month, they had that goal in mind.

The 25-year-old superstar had by far his greatest game in a Lakers uniform on Saturday night in Denver, after going 1-2 and averaging 14.7 points in his first three games with the team after leaving Dallas.

Dončić led the Lakers to a 123-100 thumping of the Nuggets, who had won nine straight games, with 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.

After a remarkable performance, Luka Dončić said he felt like himself again and was filled with excitement and confidence on the court. He played with obvious vigor and enthusiasm, grinning for most of the match, demonstrating his love for the game. Dončić was able to enjoy the game to the fullest thanks to his return to form, which also helped his team play well.

LeBron James also provided an excellent showing, tallying 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. Dončić regularly found James on long passes that resulted in fast-break opportunities, demonstrating their good on-court connection throughout the game. The chemistry between the two players gave a dynamic aspect to the team’s offensive, enabling them retain a wire-to-wire advantage against one of their recent opponents.

James highlighted the organic flow of their fast-break plays by jokingly comparing their connection to that of a wide receiver and quarterback. Despite the success on the court, Dončić acknowledged that his chemistry with the Lakers, including James, is still developing. He believes that as long as they play together, their bond will only get stronger, resulting in future performances that are even more seamless.

A promising direction for the Lakers was indicated by their dominant performance, which was driven by the developing partnership between Dončić and James. Dončić’s return to form and his growing bond with his teammates offer hope for continued success as the season progresses. Both players’ ability to complement each other’s strengths on the court points at the potential for a formidable collaboration, with plenty of space for further growth.

Luka Dončić after his greatest game by far with the Lakers: ‘I’m excited about the new path.’

The duo’s performance in Denver should give the Lakers and their followers a sense that they can make the kind of deep playoff run that eluded them the last two years when the Nuggets bounced them in the first round, winning eight of nine when James was teamed with Anthony Davis.

The Lakers had just nine turnovers to Denver’s 22 and 15 steals to the Nuggets’ six. They also made nine more baskets despite only taking one more shot.

The Lakers forced the reigning MVP to commit an unusual half-dozen turnovers and kept him to just 2-of-7 shooting, despite giving up Nikola Jokic’s 26th triple-double of the season.

The Lakers never trailed in winning in Denver for the first time since April 10, 2022.

After missing several weeks due to a calf injury, Dončić had been gradually acclimating to his new team and getting back into shape. By halftime, he had 19 points. James, however, claimed to have seen a focused Dončić in Denver—the same Dončić that guided the Mavericks to the NBA Finals the previous season.

Before tipoff, Lakers coach J.J. When Dončić made a 3-pointer in the last minute of the first half and screamed loudly, Reddick stated he wanted to see the passionate side of the player, “to have a blackout moment where he’s yelling.”

Shortly after, Dončić collected a technical for claiming that the Nuggets got away with smacking him in the head on his missed floater right before the halftime buzzer, demonstrating his passion once more.

The third quarter began with Jamal Murray at the line and his free throw ignited an 8-0 run by the Nuggets that cut their deficit to 63-62.

James’ rim-rattling dunk and Dončić’s deep 3-pointer bookended the Lakers’ 10-0 response, and LA easily won their 14th game in 18 games.

Murray, for one, wasn’t afraid that this particular one loss portended an end to the Nuggets’ recent dominance of the Lakers.