Luka Doncic was having his worst game of the season against the San Antonio Spurs. Still, when the turnaround came around in the fourth, the Slovenian All-Star was all over it. He hit the triple to take the lead and orchestrated the offense. In doing so, history seems to follow the Lakers cornerstone wherever he goes.

By the numbers, it was another imposing performance. Doncic poured in 35 points, accompanied by 13 assists and 9 rebounds. It was the fourth game scoring 35 or more, a start that has put the former Mavericks’ lifeline into MVP conversations. But his numbers are unprecedented.

He’s leading the league in scoring, averaging 40 points per game. All this while being the nucleus of one of the best offenses in the league. According to Real Sports, he became the first player to average 40/5/5 to start the season. However, Doncic is flirting with a triple-double, and doing it effortlessly.

The Lakers aren’t suffering from his usage either. With 9.2 assists, Doncic is sharing the ball. Against the Spurs, he connected on three dimes in the fourth quarter without a single turnover. And even with Reaves as his backcourt partner, the five-time All-NBA selection’s numbers haven’t dropped. And there’s no sign that Doncic is feeling the toll of being a hub for the Lakers.

He spent in offseason in Slovenia, relentlessly working on his conditioning. Many doubted whether it would affect his scoring prowess. The first five games show a refined version of those traits, as Luka Doncic uses his IQ and instincts to dominate. However, although he played a huge hand in the comeback, JJ Redick hailed another player for making big plays.

JJ Redick salutes Rui Hachimura for his performance against the Spurs

From the box score, Luka Doncic stands out. However, Hachimura fulfilled his role and made vital plays. JJ Redick hailed his contributions as the “biggest plays” in the game. “He can go 8 minutes of a game, which sometimes can be 30 minutes of real time, not touch a basketball, literally not touch a ball, and then just bang a wide open three,” said the Lakers HC.

That moment came in the fourth quarter. Hachimura released a quick three to cut the deficit to just 2 points. Furthermore, he made a vital play down the stretch, forcing a charge against Victor Wembanyama. “Looked it up, you know, his eighth charge of his entire career, and that at least in my opinion was the biggest one yet,” Redick added.

Even Luka Doncic felt the Lakers’ forward contributions this season have flown under the radar. Hachimura is currently averaging a career-high 16.7 points and shooting 47% from beyond the arc. While the Slovenian did joke he won’t pass him the play, he praised his teammate for his consistency.

“I think he’s been amazing you know staying ready in the moment. He’s a great guy too so that’s the kind of people you want to have on your team. The start he has had is very underrated and we need him to keep going,” Doncic said of Rui Hachimura.

And it’s not just him. Austin Reaves is bursting out, taking over the scoring reins in the absence of LeBron James. Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia continue to have a key role in their 7-2 start. JJ Redick and the group appear close and are showing stark improvements from last season.