Mar 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots a game winning shot while under pressure from Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) during overtime at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic hit his first game-winner as a member of the team on Saturday night, securing a key win against the Denver Nuggets.
Doncic was going up against his fellow European star Nikola Jokic. They did not despite at Crypto.com Arena, both dropping triple-double efforts.
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However, it was the Slovenian that got the upper hand with an 18-foot fadeaway jumper that secured a 127-125 overtime win.
Doncic scored 30 points, dished 13 assists, and grabbed 11 rebounds on the night.
Mar 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots a game winning shot while under pressure from Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) during overtime at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
While his well-rounded performance is the norm for Doncic, game-winning shots have not been, at least since he became a Laker.
“I felt like it was the best atmosphere since (being) on the Lakers,” Doncic said. “The whole crowd was in it. It was real special to witness that.”
The legacy of the arena and the Lakers franchise made the moment all the more special for Doncic, as players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Magic Johnson have all had their own moments.
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“A lot of legends played here. They (left) a lot behind with the Lakers. So obviously I did. And obviously it was still a regular season (game), but that was a little bit of that feeling that today for sure.”
For the Lakers and Doncic, this moment will surely be one of many, hopefully with some coming in the postseason.
The post Luka Doncic Sends Clear Message on First Game Winner With Lakers appeared first on LA Sports Report.