Luka Dončić believes the Los Angeles Lakers can build something with their new roster. After Friday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors, he also acknowledged how much work remains.

The Lakers surrendered a 25-point lead in a 112-95 defeat at Chase Center, falling to 4-2 after an opening quarter that suggested they were headed toward another victory over Golden State.

Dončić finished with 37 points, seven rebounds and five assists, but his individual production could not prevent Los Angeles from losing control of the game. Afterward, he pointed toward both the repetitions needed to develop chemistry and his own responsibility to help the group improve.

For a team incorporating several newcomers, Friday provided an early test of how its offense responds when an opponent increases its defensive pressure.

The Lakers initially found success, with Dončić scoring 21 points in the first quarter. Maintaining that level of execution proved much more difficult as Golden State worked its way back into the game.

“I don't know what it's going to take,” Luka said. “Obviously, reps and just playing. This game is a good example. They play hard defense and show a lot, so it was a good game for us. Not good because we lost, but good to practice those things.”

His comments framed the defeat as an opportunity to learn how to handle those situations together. The Lakers had already shown they could generate offense early. The next challenge was sustaining their execution once Golden State disrupted that rhythm.

That process requires teammates to recognize defensive coverages, anticipate one another’s decisions and make themselves available when the initial action breaks down. Those connections can develop through practice, but competitive possessions provide a different test.

“It's going to take some time for sure,” he added. “We've got a lot of new guys, but I really like playing with these guys.”

That endorsement offered encouragement after a difficult result. Dončić expressed confidence in the players around him while acknowledging that their familiarity remains a work in progress.

Dončić’s assessment also included a direct acknowledgment that improvement starts with his own play.

“Everybody can be better than this. Me first. I've got to be better. We lose together, we win together.”

Despite leading Los Angeles in scoring, Dončić included himself in the responsibility for the defeat. His offensive performance helped establish the early advantage, but the Lakers still needed to manage the possessions that followed and respond when momentum shifted.

For Los Angeles, the frustration came from how dramatically the game changed. A commanding lead became a tied game by halftime, leaving the Lakers to regain control against an opponent that had already erased their cushion.

The loss demonstrated that an explosive start does not guarantee consistent offense throughout the night. It also gave the Lakers a specific performance to examine as they continue developing their shared decision-making.

Six games into the season, Dončić remains optimistic about his teammates. His message after Friday’s defeat paired that confidence with a clear expectation: everyone, including the Lakers’ leading scorer, has to improve.