Mavs icon Dirk Nowitzki is impressed by the Lakers’ current form, especially the harmonious interplay of their «Big Three.»
According to Dirk Nowitzki, other NBA teams should be wary of the Los Angeles Lakers. He not only praises his former Dallas teammate Luka Doncic but also LeBron James’ newfound humility.
As an expert, Nowitzki expressed his enthusiasm: «They’re performing really strongly. Isn’t that precisely the kind of team you want to see in the playoffs – with three players capable of deciding a game and dominating in the crucial stages? I’m impressed and curious to see how far they’ll go.»
Nowitzki on James: «He Lets Austin and Luka Do Their Thing»
Austin Reaves, alongside Doncic and James, forms the Lakers’ «Big Three.» Nowitzki is particularly impressed by their synergy, highlighting the special role of the 41-year-old James as crucial.
«LeBron is doing a great job by taking a bit of a back seat and letting the two younger players take charge of the offense,» Nowitzki explained. «He’s allowing Austin and Luka to unfold their game.»
Nowitzki elaborated: «I saw him play just last week in Orlando, where LeBron often positioned himself in the corner to find the optimal spot from there. He remains the top transition player, an excellent pivot, and a superb off-ball player. His basketball IQ is still unsurpassed for incredible plays with the ball, but he simply makes it so much easier for the others.»
Nowitzki Warns About Doncic: «If the Stepback Works…»
Naturally, Doncic is in the spotlight for the Lakers, the player with whom Nowitzki shared the court at the end of his long Mavs career. «Luka is delivering incredible basketball. For weeks, he’s been in peak form, averaging almost 40 points per game. His stepback is effective, and when that stepback works, all other teams should beware, because then he’s virtually unstoppable.»
Doncic leads the Lakers and the entire league with an impressive 33.7 points per game. The 27-year-old also records strong 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds. Reaves contributes 23.6 points, James 20.9. This means that 78.2 of the average 116.6 points the Lakers score per game come from this trio.
With a record of 48-26, the Lakers currently hold third place in the Western Conference and intend to defend this position against the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Moving up further is unlikely, as the Oklahoma City Thunder and the pursuing San Antonio Spurs have too great a lead.
Lakers Defense Despite «Below-Average Defenders»
Nowitzki is aware of the criticism regarding the Lakers’ defensive potential but does not consider it a glaring weakness.
«On defense, they vary their tactics. Luke Kennard is a valuable addition, and they manage to cope despite some below-average defenders,» the 47-year-old stated. «They switch between zone and man-to-man defense and are quite solid in one-on-one matchups. Deandre (Ayton) has also improved.»
On Tuesday night, the Lakers will face the Washington Wizards, but will have to do without Nowitzki’s favorite, Doncic, who has been suspended for one game after his 16th technical foul.
NBA: The Lakers’ Remaining Regular Season Opponents
|
Date |
Opponent |
|---|---|
|
3/31, 4 AM |
vs. Wizards |
|
4/1, 4:30 AM |
vs. Cavaliers |
|
4/3, 3:30 AM |
@ Thunder |
|
4/6, 1:30 AM |
@ Mavericks |
|
4/8, 4:30 AM |
vs. Thunder |
|
4/10, 4 AM |
@ Warriors |
|
4/11, 4:30 AM |
vs. Suns |
|
4/13, 2:30 AM |
vs. Jazz |