Luka Doncic’s representation of the Los Angeles Lakers on the floor has been tasted by the team.

Luka Doncic (Image Credit: Imagn Images)
Doncic has already appeared in two Lakers games. But he only played 25 minutes each time since he was on a minutes restriction following his recovery from a calf injury.

According to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Doncic will be playing at his best going forward, who gave him an additional week to recover during the All-Star break.

JJ Redick’s response when asked about Luka Doncic’s ramp-up after being on a minutes restriction pre-ASB: “He’ll be fine…His minutes will be up tomorrow. And I don’t think that there’s going to be any restriction going forward.”

In his two games with the Lakers, Doncic averaged 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. The Lakers split the two games they played against the Utah Jazz. Doncic’s shooting percentages have been dismal throughout these games, going 40.7% from the field and 26.7% from three. Although Doncic’s performance may have been rusty after a lengthy injury layoff, there are no justifications for him moving forward.

The Lakers’ first back-to-back games are tomorrow against the Charlotte Hornets and the following day against the Portland Trail Blazers. If LeBron is unable to participate, Doncic will be expected to lead the team’s offensive effort against these two lottery opponents.

Lakers Have High Hopes From Luka Doncic Amid His Last Year’s Stellar Performance

When they signed Luka Doncic, the Lakers gambled that he would still have his greatest basketball years ahead of him. The Lakers will be hoping Doncic can quickly disprove his previous team since the Dallas Mavericks believe he has peaked and cut him when his value was at its highest.

He has been lethargic, plodding, and ineffective in his first two games with the Lakers. After a significant mid-season move, everyone understands the need to give him time to acclimate. However, the Lakers don’t want to see their impressive record begin to fall apart. Keep in mind that Doncic is still recovering from a serious lower-body injury.

Even if LeBron continues to play excellent basketball, Doncic will be the team’s spokesperson. It may be a warning sign of things to come if he is unable to be the future MVP the Lakers believe they have secured.