As the crowd roared, the entire Los Angeles Lakers team gathered in a huddle. This was a vastly different team than the one that started the season, and primarily because of their newest team member: former Dallas Maverick and Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic.

The Los Angeles Lakers were in prime position to take Game 4 and even the series at two games apiece. On Tuesday, just over 24 hours ahead of Game 5, head coach JJ Redick addressed the media and was asked about his decision to ride with the same starting five—Luka Doncic,

Luka Doncic’s blockbuster midseason trade to the Los Angeles Lakers turned heads—and changed the team’s trajectory. Pairing with LeBron James, the Lakers surged from mediocrity to title contention, finishing with 50 wins and the No.