TITLE: LeBron James Says Luka Dončić’s OT Winner Against Nuggets Is ‘First of Many’ for Lakers
SLUG: lebron-james-predicts-more-game-winners-for-luka-doncic-lakers
CONTENT:
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James expects Luka Dončić to deliver plenty of decisive moments in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform after the guard’s overtime game-winner lifted the team past the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
Dončić capped a triple-double with a driving basket in the final seconds of overtime, sealing a 114-112 victory at Crypto.com Arena and extending the Lakers’ winning streak to five. The 26-year-old finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists.
James, who logged 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting along with six rebounds and five assists in 40 minutes, used the postgame spotlight to praise his new teammate. “Just a big-time shot by a generational player,” he told reporters. “We wanted the last shot. We wanted to put the ball in our guy’s hands. It’s going to be just the first of many game winners like that for him in a Lakers uniform.”
The four-time NBA MVP acknowledged that his role has shifted since the February 2025 blockbuster trade brought Dončić from Dallas to Los Angeles. With Dončić and guard Austin Reaves running the offense, James has leaned into defense, hustle plays and leadership. His signature moment Saturday came late in the fourth quarter when he dove for a loose ball to preserve a possession.
Players on both teams described the atmosphere as playoff-like. Dončić called it “probably the best environment I’ve experienced since joining L.A.”
The Lakers improved to 41-24 with the win, while the Nuggets fell to 39-26. Los Angeles returns to action Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns.
Source: Lakers Nation
