The Los Angeles Lakers teased fans with the idea that this team couldn't win without Luka Doncic in Monday night's 120-101 win over the Washington Wizards. LA's superstar was serving a one-game suspension after receiving his 16th technical foul of the season on March 21st against Orlando.
This one got off to a slow start as the team didn't know where to run their offense through with Luka out of the lineup, and even trailed the tanking Wizards early in the second quarter 31-27. The switch would flip after LeBron James threw an outlet pass to Jaxson Hayes, which would end with a poster for Hayes in the break. This big play was the start of a 36-13 run that saw LA end the first half ahead 65-44 and take full control of the game.
The run included big plays from both of the teams' centers, Austin Reaves getting in his bag, plus LeBron running the floor and setting the table. Luke Kennard and Rui Hachimura were making their presence felt from beyond the arc, and even Bronny James had a steal that led to a score.
This type of performance from the Lakers without their superstar is an incredible sign as the postseason approaches. Games like this show that even in the playoffs, whether Luka is having a great night or being locked down, this group has the heart to find a way to win.
Lakers' playoff depth on full display in Luka's absence
This win over the Wizards moves the Lakers to 16-5 since the All-Star break, and a huge reason for that overall record is because of Luka and the way he's carried the entire scoring load. Luka has scored 40 in back-to-back games and scored 30-plus in 12 straight games.
When a team designs its entire offense around one guy, it can be very problematic with the court shrinking, and defenses really lock in during the playoffs.
We saw year after year with James Harden. The Houston Rockets could never get over the hump. We also saw a similar situation early in Luka's time with the Dallas Mavericks. The idea that if an opponent shuts down Luka, or he has an off night, this team can't squeeze out a win has been put to rest by the Lakers' win over the Wizards.
This game proved the Lakers are deep enough and have a strong enough supporting cast to win games even when the potential MVP isn't playing. Sure, LeBron had a triple-double and played that Luke role, being the engine for the offense, but he wasn't what made this win so special.
Jaxson Hayes had 19 points and seven rebounds while shooting 100% from the field. Luke Kennard banged four triples and scored 19 points. Even Deandre Ayton had a smooth 12 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks.
Seeing everyone take their play to a higher level in the absence of Luka is a huge positive in the playoffs. It shows that this team has fight, heart, and can find a way to win in less than ideal situations.