Doncic reflects on where the Lakers stand and what work remains ahead of the trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the New York Knicks 112-100 on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden, but Luka Doncic still believes this team has what it takes to compete for a championship.
The loss dropped the Lakers to 29-19 on the season, but Doncic remained confident in what the group can accomplish moving forward.
"I think we're in a good spot," Doncic said after the game. "You know, obviously have some work to do. But I think we have a great group."
A Year Since the Blockbuster Trade
The game at Madison Square Garden came exactly one year to the day after the Lakers made the blockbuster trade with Dallas that brought Doncic to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis.
Since then, the 26-year-old superstar has established himself as the franchise cornerstone, and this season he's been putting up some of the best numbers in the league.
Doncic is averaging 33.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game, which ranks among the league leaders in all three categories and shows just how dominant he's been for Los Angeles this year.
Against the Knicks, Doncic finished with 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome New York's balanced attack led by OG Anunoby's 25 points.
LeBron James added 22 points, six assists and five rebounds in what could have been his final game at Madison Square Garden if this ends up being his last season in the league.
James is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game in his 22nd season and was named to his record-extending 22nd consecutive All-Star Game earlier that same day.
What Could Happen at the Trade Deadline
With the February 5th trade deadline approaching, the Lakers have been linked to several potential targets as they look to improve the roster around Doncic and James.
According to multiple reports, Los Angeles has shown interest in players like Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets, Donte DiVincenzo of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Naji Marshall of the Dallas Mavericks, who played alongside Doncic during his final season in Dallas and has said he misses his former teammate "dearly."
The Lakers have expiring contracts like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber that they could package in a deal if the right opportunity comes along, but reports suggest the front office is being careful about taking on long-term salary and wants to preserve their financial flexibility for the summer.
One Western Conference executive told ESPN the Lakers will be "bargain" shopping rather than making a big splash, but added that "big men will do back flips to be able to be in that Lakers uniform paired with Luka" because of what Doncic brings to the table.
Looking Ahead
The Knicks improved to 31-18 with the win as they continue their push toward the top of the Eastern Conference standings, while the Lakers remain in solid position in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Los Angeles has shown flashes of brilliance when Doncic and James are clicking together, especially during their recent three-game winning streak where the duo combined for 187 points, but consistency has been the challenge for a team still learning how to play together with so many pieces in flux.
Whether the Lakers make a move before the deadline or stand pat and wait until the offseason remains to be seen, but Doncic still believes in this roster.