As the Mavericks struggle with injuries and fan uproar, Luka Dončić and the Lakers are playing their best basketball of the season. A furious comeback featuring gritty performances from Luka, LeBron and co. has Laker Nation believing that banner 18 is just around the corner.
Taylor Rooks Talks with Luka After Lakers’ Win Over Knicks
Following last night’s impressive comeback over the New York Knicks, Luka Dončić met with Taylor Rooks to discuss the win. When asked what changed down the stretch that led to the Lakers’ comeback late in the fourth quarter to force overtime and eventually get the win, Dončić replied,
“Just our physicality. Starting fourth quarter, I think our physicality was next level. We got stops and then we played basketball.” What he said checks out, as the Lakers erased an 8-point deficit with 6 minutes to go. They only gave up 9 points in that span.
"Chemistry is building […] I'm just happy to be a part of this" 🗣️@TaylorRooks caught up with Luka after a BIG win against New York. pic.twitter.com/YeXRI1dUWi
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 7, 2025
When asked by Rooks what it took (to get the win), Dončić said, “A lot, a lot. They’re a great team. They have great players and it’s a tough win. We got now 8 in a row and every game is a battle for us.” The Lakers have won 8 straight games and 9 of their last 11 following their blockbuster trade for Dončić.
They have firmly established themselves as contenders, and are currently second in the Western Conference. While their chances for the number one seed in the West are slim, their 3-game lead over the Rockets (5 seed) is crucial for home court advantage in the playoffs.
MORE: NBA Power Rankings
Rooks continued, asking Dončić what fuels him about these big moments. He responded, saying “I don’t know. I like those moments. I just like them. I started the overtime like that, keep my team up. I think we’re playing great defense and that’s how we got to win.”
Dončić is certainly not afraid of a big moment, or a big shot. Pairing him with LeBron James has created one of the most clutch duos in NBA history, and Lakers fans are salivating at the thought of them in NBA Playoff crunch time.
“I think we have a great team. We have great players. Chemistry is building. They’re all great guys. I’m just happy to be a part of this.” Dončić is making any non-believing fans believers. Dončić was always an appreciated teammate in his years in Dallas, and it seems nothing has changed in his short time in purple and gold.
He seems to be playing with an added fuel since the trade. Maybe it has something to do with a franchise he led to the NBA Finals a year ago trading him away in his prime. Maybe it was the rumors that he was “overweight” and there were concerns that his lifestyle would lead to a massive downfall in the coming years. Maybe trading him was a mistake.