Doncic Urges Patience After Lakers Blow 25-Point Lead

Los Angeles opened strongly but could not hold its advantage, falling 112-95 after leading Golden State by as many as 25 points. The collapse was the Lakers’ second loss of the season and the widest defeat recorded since the introduction of the possession clock by a team holding a lead of at least 20 points after 12 minutes.

Doncic scored 37 points, grabbed seven rebounds and had five assists. He scored 21 points in the first quarter, including five three-pointers. The Lakers outscored the Warriors by nine during his 37 minutes on court, but were outscored by 26 in the 11 minutes he rested.

The Lakers’ reserves managed seven points on 3-for-16 shooting, and all seven players off the bench finished with negative plus-minus figures. Golden State took control in the fourth quarter to turn the game into a 17-point loss.

Afterward, Doncic said the team needed more playing time together, noting that several players were new to the roster. He also said he and his teammates could all play better. Coach JJ Redick likewise said building a strong team takes more than a handful of games, and stressed that the Lakers must remain competitive when Doncic is off the floor.

Los Angeles is scheduled to host the Toronto Raptors on November 1 as it seeks its fifth win of the season. Toronto will be without Kawhi Leonard, who is sidelined with a knee issue, while Scottie Barnes is expected to lead the team.