NBA Pre-Season Takeaways: Luka Doncic hype; Lakers are not great

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Head coach Tyronn Lue (L) of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers after a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League between the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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DALLAS, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks gestures after making a three-pointer against the Beijing Ducks in the third quarter of a preseason game at American Airlines Center on September 29, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

Luka Doncic is the real deal

It may have been a pre-season game against an inferior opponent, but Dallas Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic was impressive. Doncic finished his first preseason game against the Beijing Ducks with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. He shot 5-7 from the field and 3-4 from 3-point range.

Doncic also had three blocks in the game.

Doncic is one of the most decorated and impressive rookies the NBA’s ever seen and the first glimpse of him in the NBA was outstanding. He hit open shots, ran the length of the court for a layup and showed the ability to attack off the dribble. If Doncic can do that against NBA teams and players then there is no reason to believe he can’t find ways to be impactful similar to how he was in EuroLeague.

So far, the Luka Doncic hype is real.

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