Since trading for Luka Doncic, the Lakers have entered a thrilling new era, aiming for championship glory. But can they truly build a dominant team around him with LeBron James, and are the offseason moves enough to fix their critical defensive woes? Dive deep into the Lakers’ ambitious quest to contend this season!
The Los Angeles Lakers have ushered in a transformative era following the high-profile trade for superstar Luka Doncic, marking a pivotal shift in the franchise’s direction. This bold strategic move signals a clear intent to construct a perennial NBA Championship contender, positioning Doncic as the undisputed cornerstone for the foreseeable future. The initial phase of this new chapter has already demonstrated remarkable potential, igniting optimism among the fanbase and across the league.
Since his arrival in February, Luka Doncic has seamlessly integrated into the Lakers’ lineup, immediately showcasing his elite talent and profound impact on the court. In 28 games, he averaged an impressive 28 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, statistics that underpinned the team’s strong 18-10 record. His extraordinary playmaking ability and scoring prowess have not only elevated the team’s offensive efficiency but have also fueled his expressed ambition to etch his name into Lakers legend and among the NBA’s greatest players.
A central dynamic in this new Lakers Roster involves the integration of Doncic with veteran co-star LeBron James, whose impending 41st birthday raises questions about his evolving role. While both players possess exceptional basketball IQs, their historical ball-dominant styles and shared defensive liabilities present a unique challenge for head coach JJ Redick. Optimizing their on-court chemistry, particularly regarding James’ willingness to commit more defensively and play off the ball, will be paramount for achieving the ultimate goal of an an NBA Championship.
Recognizing the need to fortify the team around their new superstar, the Lakers made considerable offseason efforts to enhance both depth and defense. Key acquisitions included veteran big man John Collins, known for his career averages of 16 points and 10 rebounds, along with a former #1 overall pick and young talents like Jake Laravia. These strategic additions aim to address critical shortcomings and provide the necessary support for Luka Doncic and the entire squad.
Jake Laravia, who shot 42% from beyond the arc last season, has publicly committed to increasing his shot attempts, aiming to capitalize on the gravitational pull of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The unexpected addition of Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, provides crucial perimeter defense and invaluable playoff experience, further strengthening the Lakers’ aspirations for a deep postseason run. Complementing these new faces are returning players Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dalton Knecht, all entering their prime and expected to show statistical and defensive improvements alongside Doncic.
Despite the star power of Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the Lakers face significant hurdles in the competitive Western Conference. Concerns persist regarding the team’s overall defensive depth, especially given their previous rankings in the bottom ten for defensive rating, opponent three-point percentage, and points allowed in the paint. Furthermore, last season’s second unit struggled considerably, ranking 28th in offensive rating and 29th in points per game when starters were off the floor, highlighting a vital area for improvement.
Adding an intriguing layer to this narrative, Luka Doncic recently showcased a notable defensive transformation during his EuroBasket 2025 campaign with the Slovenian national team. Despite facing aggressive double teams and physical play, he demonstrated enhanced mobility, awareness, and length, accumulating five steals and two blocks in a single game. This impressive display suggests that when fully committed, Doncic possesses the capability to significantly impact the defensive end, a trait vital for the Lakers’ success.
As the Lakers navigate this pivotal season, their pursuit of the NBA Championship hinges on collective commitment and addressing defensive vulnerabilities. With LeBron James’ future beyond this season uncertain, the team might strategically pivot, potentially using a significant contract slot to acquire multiple strong defenders, assuming James departs. This could be the ultimate path toward solidifying a championship-caliber team around the burgeoning legacy of Luka Doncic, setting a clear course for the franchise’s sustained success in the NBA.
