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Lakers Stagger Dončić–LeBron Minutes as Dončić Rebalances First Quarters in Kings Win

JJ Redick says the rotation will continue while Austin Reaves is out.

Overview

  • Luka Dončić, the NBA’s leading first‑quarter scorer, opened by taking fewer shots to involve teammates, logging six attempts and three assists in the first period.
  • JJ Redick shortened Dončić’s initial stint, subbing him out around the 2:31 mark instead of playing the full first quarter as usual.
  • The staggered plan keeps either Dončić or LeBron James on the floor to maintain a primary initiator and lets other ball handlers operate as the offense’s “quarterback.”
  • Los Angeles beat Sacramento convincingly as Dončić finished with 34 points, five rebounds and seven assists, halting a three‑game slide.
  • Redick described the approach as in place for the foreseeable future and noted it builds on similar adjustments made previously during Reaves’ absence.