Luka Doncic 'decided' to make his 61-foot heave punctuating 53-point effort in win over Blazers

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers were trailing by double digits in the final seconds of a tough first half against Portland when Doncic took a few dribbles, stopped in the far free-throw circle and heaved a glorious 61-footer off the backboard and in.Doncic has done all types of magic during his spectacular start to the Lakers’ season, but this epic buzzer-beater was much more than simply the most memorable moment from his 53-point performance in the Lakers’ 124-118 win Friday night.“I think it changes the whole energy in the team and in the gym,” Doncic said. “I thought it was an important shot to make — so that’s why I decided to make it.”A sly smile creeped onto Doncic's face with that playful boast — but after the NBA's leading scorer topped 40 points for the sixth time in seven games, after he surpassed 50 points for the second time already this season, it was clear Doncic can conjure just about anything he pleases on the court this season.And Doncic had a