ATLANTA | The Los Angeles Lakers continue to make noise in the Western Conference, and their impressive start is becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss.

Behind another outstanding performance from Luka Dončić, the Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 124–114 on Monday night, improving to 10–2 and extending their winning streak to six games.

Dončić finished with 32 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and five steals, narrowly missing a triple-double while controlling the offense.

But the story wasn't just Dončić.

Los Angeles demonstrated something equally important: the ability to win with contributions throughout its roster, even without Austin Reaves, who missed the contest due to illness.

Dončić Continues His MVP-Level Start

Dončić's offensive brilliance has been one of the driving forces behind the Lakers' early success.

Against Atlanta, he shot 11-of-22 from the field, finishing with 32 points while creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.

His 10 assists helped Los Angeles maintain an efficient offensive attack, while his five steals and two blocks highlighted his activity on the defensive end.

Dončić is doing more than putting up impressive scoring numbers. He's directing an offense that continues to produce results.

And the Lakers are winning.

Lakers' Supporting Cast Steps Up

Walker Kessler delivered 21 points and 10 rebounds, giving Los Angeles an effective interior presence.

Sandro Mamukelashvili provided one of the game's biggest contributions off the bench, scoring 23 points while connecting on five of eight three-point attempts.

Collin Sexton added 18 points and six assists, providing another offensive weapon.

The contributions were particularly important with Reaves unavailable.

Los Angeles shot 52.9% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range, finishing with 30 assists.

The Lakers also generated 16 steals and scored 52 points in the paint.

This wasn't a game won exclusively through Dončić's individual brilliance. It was a collective offensive performance.

Atlanta's Comeback Falls Short

The Lakers built a 20-point advantage during the second quarter, but Atlanta refused to disappear.

The Hawks cut the deficit to five entering the fourth quarter and eventually pulled within four points, 115–111, with approximately three and a half minutes remaining.

Los Angeles responded with six consecutive points, restoring control and preventing Atlanta from completing the comeback.

CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 21 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 20.

Onyeka Okongwu added 16 points and nine rebounds, and Dyson Daniels finished with 10 points, eight assists and four steals.

Atlanta produced 33 assists but committed 19 turnovers and struggled to contain the Lakers' efficient shooting.

S³ Final Analysis: Are the Lakers Legitimate Contenders?

A 10–2 start is impressive, but the way Los Angeles is winning deserves even more attention.

The Lakers have demonstrated multiple ways to generate offense.

Dončić can control a game through scoring and playmaking. Kessler provides an interior option, while Sexton and Mamukelashvili demonstrated that the supporting cast can deliver meaningful production.

The biggest concern remains defensive consistency. Atlanta nearly erased a 20-point deficit, and allowing opponents to climb back into games could become costly against stronger competition.

Still, the Lakers are doing exactly what contenders are expected to do.

They're winning close games, overcoming missing players and finding production beyond their superstar.

S³ Verdict: The Lakers are no longer simply enjoying a strong start. At 10–2 with six consecutive victories, they're making a legitimate case as one of the Western Conference's early contenders.

The next challenge is proving they can maintain that level of play throughout the season.