Like the Lakers, Luka Doncic looked helpless on Friday. The 26-year-old was affected by the stomach bug, but still made it to the floor; maybe not at his best, but suiting up and giving it a go. That’s just how powerful playoff fever can be. Earlier today, just hours before Game 4 of the first round, ESPN’s Shams reported that the Lakers’ star was feeling better, and you could tell it would make a difference on the court. His day, but not the Lakers’, again. But that wasn’t the only thing; during the game, more details surfaced about a big change in the Slovenian.

A conversation between broadcasters Lisa Salters and Mike Breen gave some great insight into how Dončić is holding up after everything he’s been through lately. Apparently, there has been a big shift. “The Lakers didn’t practice yesterday,” Lisa said. But the head coach mentioned that Doncic was looking a lot better as he bounced back from the illness.

And honestly, that boost of energy is just what the Lakers need to turn things around against the Timberwolves. Even during warm-ups, he looked lively and locked in. Clearly, he’s feeling better, both in body and in spirit. “…JJ Redick told us that you could see in Luka Doncic’s demeanor and his body language even yesterday that he was doing a lot better. JJ said his energy level was up and you could see it in his face. And that was the case when he came out for pregame warm-ups today.” But now as the curtains draw, Luka hit another close to 40 points, only to see the Wolves eat up the Kings’ men 116-113 in a tight race.

Further quoting JJ, Lisa said, “He (Luka) was smiling, playing soccer like he usually does. Took the half court shots that he always does at the end of his routine. All the things that he didn’t do on Friday night when he was under the weather. Definitely came into this game, Mike, looking much more like himself.” After seeing the shape he is in, it’s safe to say his chemistry with LeBron James started to shine in Game 4, but might take another game to reflect it with a win. Only if Ant-Man is humble enough to keep the race alive.

Luka Doncic’s recent health update could revive Lakers’ chemistry

The game was tight since the early whistle, but at times when confidence is low, even the best efforts swim down the drain. But since February, we’ve seen flashes of Luka Doncic and LeBron James building the kind of chemistry the NBA community wasn’t so sure would work. Well, it actually lined up pretty well with what JJ Redick envisioned. That being said, in the playoffs so far, it hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations.

In fact, in Game 3 with Doncic battling through illness, things got scary for the team. LeBron did his best, dropping 38 points to keep them in it, but Luka could only manage 17. So naturally, the team paid the price with a 2-1 loss in the series. But that might not be the case today, was the hope, as Doncic is healthier. Alas, even his 38 alongside LeBron putting up 27 points didn’t help them level the series as the Wolves lead by 3-1 now.

The chemistry between LeBron and Luka seems to be clicking, but they need to turn the series around real fast, just like anyone would hope for when they lace up for the playoffs. They’ve already gotten the message that it won’t be easy. Tonight’s game was expected to be a turning point, but it didn’t. But can they pull it up and take this to game 7, or will the T-Wolves help the Lakers take an early flight out?