Even on a night when he couldn’t suit up, Luka Doncic still managed to command attention inside Crypto.com Arena.
During a timeout in Monday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, cameras captured a brief but mmorable interaction with head coach JJ Redick that quickly resonated with fans.
As Redick walked along the sideline during the break in play, Doncic, seated courtside in street clothes, repeatedly leaned forward and reached out his hand.
At first, Redick continued walking with a straight face, appearing locked into the game. But Doncic persisted, gesturing again until Redick finally turned back, cracked a smile, and shook his hand.
The exchange lasted only seconds, yet it highlighted Doncic‘s playful personality and the easy rapport forming between star and coach.
It happened during a difficult stretch for the Lakers. Without Doncic for the second straight game due to a left hamstring strain, Los Angeles faced a stern test against the defending champions.
The absence of their newest superstar placed additional pressure on the rest of the rotation, particularly against a deep and disciplined Oklahoma City squad.
Despite the loss, the lighthearted sideline exchange offered a reminder that Doncic‘s influence extends beyond the box score.
His presence on the bench, engaged and animated, reflected a player fully invested in his team even while unable to contribute on the floor.
A competitive game without its star centerpiece
On the court, the Thunder showed their class to secure a 119-110 road victory. Seven Thunder players finished in double figures, showcasing the depth that has defined their championship run.
Los Angeles kept pace for much of the night, refusing to fold despite missing Doncic, as LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with 22 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, orchestrating the offense and keeping his team within striking distance.
Marcus Smart added 19 points, while Austin Reaves scored 16 off the bench. Jake LaRavia contributed 14 points, and both Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes finished with 12 apiece.
Reaves provided a spark late in the first quarter with a two-handed dunk that energized the crowd, and later powered through the lane for a strong drive that briefly gave the Lakers a 99-98 lead in the fourth quarter.
But Oklahoma City answered decisively, ripping off an 11-2 run to reclaim control of the game.
Returning to the lineup, Jalen Williams delivered when it mattered most for the Thunder. He scored 23 points, hitting key baskets and free throws down the stretch to close out the win.
Doncic the main man in LA
While the result stung for Los Angeles, the night still offered insight into the personality of a team adjusting to life with Doncic as a central figure – even when he’s not in uniform.
That sense of perspective aligns with Doncic‘s own reflections on his basketball journey. Speaking recently on Cousins, Doncic revisited a formative experience long before his NBA debut.
“I remember playing OKC and I was like, ‘This is a whole different level of basketball,'” he said. “After that game I was like, ‘Oof, maybe I’m not built for the NBA.'”
He was just 17 at the time, going up against established professionals and learning firsthand how demanding the league could be. Those early lessons, combined with years of development in Europe, ultimately fueled his rise to superstardom.
Now, even sidelined with a minor injury, Doncic continues to leave his mark – whether through elite play, leadership on the bench, or a simple handshake that reminds fans why he is a hugely popular personality in the sport.
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