Luka Doncic once again carried the weight of heavy responsibility on Saturday night as he took the floor without his usual co-stars, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. With both sidelined, Doncic tried to shoulder the offensive load for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Atlanta Hawks. Despite his best efforts, the night ended in disappointment as the Lakers fell 122-102 against the shorthanded Hawks. The loss snapped their five-game winning streak.

The night was challenging for Luka not only because of the game’s outcome but also due to a tough moment early in the contest. While standing at the free-throw line in the first quarter, Hawks fans began chanting “Nico” and “Mavericks reject,” mocking his trade from Dallas.

The jeers appeared to affect Luka’s concentration. He missed both of his

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