LeBron James salutes ‘natural quarterback’ Luka Dončić as Lakers rout Nuggets

Pair combine for 57 points in dominant 123-100 win
Dončić says he is finding his form for new team

Luka Dončić scored 32 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out seven assists and stole four passes while leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 123-100 wipeout of the Denver Nuggets, who had won nine consecutive games, on Saturday night.

“Finally feel like myself a little bit,” Dončić said. “Playing this game, this is what I love. Just finally being myself a little bit, that’s why I was smiling all game.”

So was LeBron James, who chipped in 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three blocks – and several times was on the receiving end of Dončić’s long passes for fastbreak buckets as the Lakers led wire-to-wire against their recent nemisis.

“I am a natural-born wide receiver and he’s a natural-born quarterback,” cracked James.

Dončić said his chemistry with the Lakers, James included, is still budding. “This is my fourth game,” Dončić said. “Chemistry takes time. You saw today that it’s getting better. Every day, it’s getting better. ... Hard, different, but I’m happy to be playing basketball. Every day is going to get better for me. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy for the new journey.”

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