Luka Doncic eager to start playing big games for Lakers, starting in playoff date with Timberwolves

EL SEGUNDO: Luka Doncic has been with the Los Angeles Lakers for 2 1/2 months now, and he’s feeling fairly comfortable in his new home. He is building chemistry with his new teammates, who are getting used to his brilliant passes, prolific scoring outbursts and fiery competitiveness.

But the playoffs begin this weekend, and the Lakers know they’re about to see yet another side of their Slovenian superstar.

“I like big games,” Doncic said Thursday with his typical understatement. “The playoffs is a fun time. Everybody plays 100 percent. It’s just fun to be out there.”

Doncic is one of the top playoff performers of his generation, and he is just one year removed from his remarkable effort in carrying the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals despite significant injuries to his right knee, left ankle and chest.

Doncic is healthier now — and he has LeBron James on his side this spring when the third-seeded Lakers begin the first round against the surging Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 on Saturday night.

While Los Angeles drew a difficult opening-round matchup for a team still assembling an identity around its new centerpiece, the Lakers expect to see something special from Doncic.

“Oh man, it’s exciting,” said Lakers swingman Dorian Finney-Smith, Doncic’s teammate for five seasons in Dallas. “I already know bro is going to come with the juice. He loves the moment. Knowing him, probably got to calm him down, too, because he’s going to be barking. It’s going to be exciting.”

Doncic faced Minnesota in the playoffs just last season, and it was one of the finest series performances of his career. He led the Mavericks past the Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference finals, averaging 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds,