Luka Doncic Has Strong Words for New Lakers Teammate After Heat Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Garret Schnitker | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 4:55 AM ET

Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Miami Heat 130-120 Sunday night in LA. Doncic led all scorers with 29 points, while also contributing a triple-double in the Lakers’ third straight win. Los Angeles was undoubtedly led by Doncic and Austin Reaves (55 points and 21 assists between the two), but it was the role players that majorly stepped up in an off-night shooting for the star duo (9-for-22 from the field each).

Free agent signings Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart both made their impact in the nonconference matchup. LaRavia added 25 points, eight rebounds, and four steals on 10-for-13 shooting, while Smart consistently supplied consistent emphatic defensive possessions to match his 11 points and four assists.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36)© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Postgame, Doncic had high praise for his new teammate, Smart, whom his agent recruited to the Lakers.

“I mean it’s unbelievable [Smart’s] impact,” said Doncic. “I played against this guy a lot; he was always guarding me, so I know how it feels for the other team. I’m glad he’s on my team.”

Luka Doncic is enjoying being teammates with Marcus Smart instead of being defended by him: pic.twitter.com/DenSbrJ5kr
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) November 3, 2025

At times, the Lakers’ defense has looked shaky at best, as emphasized by coach JJ Redick’s aggression when calling a timeout early in the fourth quarter. Smart, a former DPOY winner, was brought to this team for his excellent defensive ability, IQ, and leadership. Smart has provided that and then some, as exclaimed by Doncic, mentioning that he brings the intensity “every game, every moment, every minute, every second.”

Listen to JJ Redick on a hot mic here

He was HEATED

Cursed out the entire team pic.twitter.com/paasoiR3zM
— ProphetX Hoops (@ProphetXHoops) November 3, 2025

The Lakers have been rolling to begin the season and have jumped out to a 5-2 start, which slots them at 3rd in the Western Conference. Although Los Angeles finished 3rd in the West last season, it may be surprising to see such rapid success to begin the year due to the injuries plaguing the team.

Five-time First-Team All-NBA member Doncic has already missed three games this season, and 21-time All-Star LeBron James has yet to appear in a game this season while dealing with sciatica in the right side of his body. This is in addition to several key role players missing multiple games.

LA is set to face the red-hot Portland Trailblazers Monday night at 7 PM PST in the second set of a back-to-back. Starting center Deandre Ayton missed Sunday’s game with back spasms suffered against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, so it would not be surprising for him to potentially miss Monday’s game as well.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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