Sluggish Lakers Fall to Short-Handed Hawks
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 22 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds in 27 minutes, but Los Angeles fell 122–102 to an undermanned Atlanta Hawks team missing four starters.
Game Overview
Before Saturday night’s matchup in Atlanta, Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of not underestimating the Hawks, who were without several rotation players. Despite his warning, the Lakers came out flat, lacking energy and focus. Atlanta capitalized early and never looked back, snapping the Lakers’ five-game winning streak.
Coach’s Assessment
“Just not a lot to like [on Saturday night],” Redick said after the loss.
Redick noted that within two minutes of the game’s start, he sensed his team’s intensity and concentration were missing. The defeat dropped Los Angeles to 7–3 on the season, including a 4–1 record on the road.
Key Performances
- Luka Doncic: 22 points (4-for-10 from three), 11 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 turnovers.
- Marcus Smart: 5 points, 2 assists, 2 turnovers in 21 minutes.
Neither Doncic nor Smart spoke with reporters following the game, as the Lakers opened their five-game road stretch with a disappointing loss.
Author’s Summary
The Lakers’ lack of focus against a depleted Hawks team ended their winning streak and exposed lapses in energy and discipline early in their road trip.