LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic believes the Los Angeles Lakers may have found a winning combination.
On Feb. 20, 2026, head coach JJ Redick opened the first game after the All-Star break with a lineup of Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton. The group, which had not started together all season because of injuries and experimentation, erupted for 41 points in the first quarter, hitting 16 of 19 shots and 8 of 9 three-pointers.
“In the first quarter we were playing good defense and with a lot of pace,” Doncic said post-game. “We were able to create different looks, and I think that is how we should play.”
The hot start set the tone for a 125-122 victory over the LA Clippers, pushing the Lakers to 34-21. Doncic finished with 38 points, six rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and a block. Despite the early surge, the new five posted a –7.7 net rating in 18 minutes overall, leaving room for improvement.
“We got the win. The first quarter was great; in the second they came back a little bit,” Doncic added. “But I think it’s a very good lineup for us.”
Redick has tried several starting groups this season, but the organization hopes this unit can stay healthy long enough to build chemistry before the playoffs.
The Lakers were quiet at the trade deadline, dealing Gabe Vincent for Luke Kennard to preserve draft assets and cap flexibility—an approach reportedly endorsed by Doncic.
Source: LakersNation.com
