Luka Doncic said Luke Kennard "definitely opens stuff up" for him on the court, noting they need to work on chemistry but that he already feels plenty of space when Kennard is playing.
The Los Angeles Lakers returned from the 2026 All-Star break with a 125-122 victory over the LA Clippers on Friday, as Luka Doncic made a full return from injury in style, finishing with 38 points and 11 assists.
It marked just the 11th game this season in which Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves have shared the floor. Asked about how their chemistry is developing, the Slovenian kept his answer simple.
"I think it's good. I get this question every day, so I always answer the same," Luka said. "Obviously, we haven't played a lot together, but the chemistry is going to grow."
The game also featured Doncic's first appearance alongside newly acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard, who joined the Lakers just before the February 5 trade deadline.
"I mean, he definitely opens stuff for me a lot," Doncic said. "I think he hit the one three only, so we obviously gotta work on that chemistry. But I feel like I have a lot of space when he's on the court."
Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix
With the win, the Lakers improved to 34-21 on the season.
LeBron emphasized the importance of time together as the team works toward full strength.
"I mean, every game, every second, every minute that we're on the floor together, it helps," James said. "Like I said before the All-Star Weekend, we don't know what we're going to be until we get fully healthy. Tonight was one of the first games where JJ and the coaching staff could look down and see."
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