Even if both fanbases have spent years trying to discredit the other side with mean words and disingenuous arguments, Luka Doncic and the Oklahoma City Thunder have mutual respect. Both have had a long history together that included a heated playoff series — that remains even if the former has switched teams.
Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 126-99 win over the Thunder on Sunday. It was the first of two straight games against the West's top seed. Setting the tone early, he hunted Isaiah Hartenstein and cooked him in the perimeter with demoralizing stepback 3-pointers.