Sometimes, it’s the little things that end up mattering most. For the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s moments like what transpired on the second leg of a back-to-back on the other side of the country from their home venue. And it had little to do with what transpired over the course of 48 minutes. Instead, it was a gesture of leadership by franchise player Luka Doncic toward rookie Cameron Carr.
Following a 124-114 victory during which Doncic was one of four Lakers who scored at least 18 points, the two-time scoring champion made sure it was the player who scored just two points who got the game ball. That, of course, was Carr—who scored the first points of his NBA career.
Following the game, Doncic made sure to get Carr the game ball.
Luka Dončić on securing Lakers rookie Cameron Carr the game ball after he scored his first NBA points on Monday night vs. Atlanta:
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) November 10, 2026
“Obviously you always want to remember your first bucket. You want to get that ball, so it was important for me to grab it.” pic.twitter.com/jTrveWTgcN
That may seem like a minor gesture to some, but Sandro Mamukelashvili, who scored a season-high 23 points in the win, explained how rare it truly is for a veteran to take that type of action for his rookie.
In light of Cameron Carr scoring his first NBA basket tonight in Atlanta, does Sandro Mamukelashvili remember his first bucket in the league?
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) November 10, 2026
Mamu: "Yeah, it was against the Miami Heat. It was a putback."
Luka Dončić making fun of question in the background
Mamu: "See, I… pic.twitter.com/6BOGj9BtDF
Though there are mountains of reasons to celebrate a 10-2 start to the season, it’s moments like this that could ultimately define the Lakers’ path through future adversity.
Luka Doncic getting Cameron Carr the game ball epitomizes new culture
Doncic could easily let his play speak for itself. He's a generational talent giving credence to the belief that an NBA player's prime begins at 27, as the six-time All-NBA First Team honoree is on pace to have the best season of his already Hall of Fame worthy career.
Through 10 games, Doncic is averaging 39.3 points, 7.9 assists, 7.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 5.5 three-point field goals made on .498/.407/.881 shooting.
Doncic finished the win over Atlanta with 32 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, five steals, and two blocks. As such, it would've been entirely understandable for him to wait for head coach JJ Redick to give him the game ball after a magnificent performance on both ends of the floor.
Instead, Doncic made sure that a player who scored two points and played seven minutes would remember this moment as both a personal milestone and a chance to bond with his teammates.
Luka Doncic's leadership is creating a strong locker room
It's yet another example of Doncic taking the initiative to lead his team in a way that creates a strong personal connection. He brought his fellow Lakers to Slovenia over the summer and planted seeds for what's now materializing during the season.
Carr was an unfortunate exception from that trip due to his need to attend the NBA's mandatory rookie orientation program, but Doncic found a way to work around that with the game ball.
All of this could prove even more noteworthy as the season progresses. Difficult tests will ultimately arrive in 2026-27 and the bonds being forged will be tested. Losing streaks, position battles, and changes to the rotation will challenge players to put their egos aside for the betterment of the team.
With Doncic setting the tone with his own selfless approach to leadership, the Lakers will have quite the example to follow once that time comes.
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