LeBron James praises Luka Doncic as a quarterback
After one of the more impressive performances during Los Angeles Lakers‘ 128-121 win against the Memphis Grizzlies, LeBron James gave Luka Dončić exclamation during his media availability as one of the NBA’s better quarterbacks. Doncic connected with James from half court in the first quarter, which set the tone for the Lakers’ offense throughout the night.
Doncic (34 points) and James combined for 65 points, including Luka’s team-high eight assists. After the win, James talked about Doncic elite pass.
“One of the best quarterbacks and I’m a pretty good receiver when it comes down to it,” James said. “My job is not to let the defense break it or steal the ball. And he hit it right into the goal and made it a lot easier for me.”
“One of the best quarterbacks and I’m a pretty good receiver … My job is not to let the defense break it up … And (he) made it a lot (easier) for me.”
LeBron James on his chemistry with Luka Doncic 🙌pic.twitter.com/cGbVALU8pk
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 3, 2026
James also finished with nine rebounds and six assists. Doncic added six rebounds and two steals.
Luka Dončić. WHAT A PASSAGE 🍿
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 3, 2026
The Lakers improved to 21-11.
How JJ Redick’s Tough Love Challenged LeBron James, Luka Doncic
Lakers head coach JJ Redick pre-announced a tough workout last week, what he believes caused by LeBron James and Luka Doncic. While the Lakers’ recent stretch has been a mix of wins and losses, including a 128-106 loss to the Pistons, James and Doncic started the new year off on the right foot with a 128-121 victory over the Grizzlies on Friday.
Redick, after a 125-101 win over the Kings, praised An effective approach by James and Doncic, which resulted in Doncic going 11-for-23 and LeBron shooting 11-for-13 from the floor.
“I’m not surprised the way those two guys played together tonight because yesterday was one of the best practices we’ve had with the two of them playing together and just sharing the basketball and playing one-ups,” Redick said.
The Lakers will host the Grizzlies on Sunday.
2026-01-03 16:55:00
