The Los Angeles Lakers may be handling business on the court, but it\u2019s what happens off it that reminded everyone just how important Luka Doncic is to the group.<\/p>\n
After spending time away receiving treatment in Europe, Doncic recently rejoined the team ahead of Game 1 of their playoff series against the Houston Rockets.<\/p>\n
While his return hasn\u2019t yet translated to minutes on the floor, his presence alone has already made an impact.<\/p>\n
Forward Rui Hachimura didn\u2019t hold back when describing what it meant to have Doncic back around the team environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s amazing. I think people don\u2019t know how much impact Luka has not only on the court but off the court,\u201d Hachimura said<\/a>. \u201cHe\u2019s a guy that\u2019s always wants be around with us. We love him just being around, just hanging out, talking. So we\u2019re happy he\u2019s back finally. He was doing funny things as always, so we missed him for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n That energy has been noticeable, especially for a Lakers team navigating the postseason without multiple key pieces.<\/p>\n Doncic\u2019s personality, known across the league for its mix of humor and competitiveness, has long been part of what makes him such a central figure in any locker room.<\/p>\n Hachimura expanded on that, pointing out that Doncic\u2019s antics are nothing new to those inside the organization.<\/p>\n \u201cJust messing around with the coaches, the players,\u201d Hachimura said. \u201d Just the normal thing you guys see on the camera, probably. It\u2019s a normal thing for him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Luka smacking Rui\u2019s head while the ball is in play \ud83d\udc80\ud83d\udc80\ud83d\udc80 pic.twitter.com\/x3ey2QCpfq<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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