LOS ANGELES — Head coach JJ Redick said he will keep using a revised substitution schedule for Luka Doncic after the guard’s early exit proved effective in the Los Angeles Lakers’ win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.
Doncic, who normally plays the full first quarter, was replaced by rookie Nick Smith Jr. with 2:31 remaining in the opening period. The All-Star returned at the 9:12 mark of the second quarter. During that stretch, a unit of Smith, Maxi Kleber, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt and LeBron James outscored Sacramento 21-14.
“With Austin Reaves sidelined, this gives both Luka and LeBron more time to run the offense independently,” Redick said postgame. “We’ll stick with it for the foreseeable future. It’s a longer stint for LeBron, a shorter one for Luka, but their overall minutes won’t drop.”
Reaves is expected to miss at least four weeks because of a calf strain, increasing the need for Doncic and James to sharpen their on-court partnership. Redick noted that Saturday’s practice was “one of the best” the two stars have shared this season, and he saw that translate against Sacramento.
The upcoming schedule offers an opportunity to solidify rotations: eight of the Lakers’ next 10 opponents have sub-.500 records.
Stat line against Sacramento
Doncic finished with 34 points on 11-of-23 shooting, adding five rebounds, seven assists and three steals. James contributed 24 points, converting 11 of his 13 attempts.
Source: Lakers Nation
