Luka Doncic sent social media into a frenzy when he was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. However, the franchise’s championship hopes for the season rested on how effectively he could synergize with LeBron James.
Doncic’s Lakers debut was delayed by a left calf strain. Once he finally donned the purple and gold, it took him three or so games to return to form, but once he did, he averaged 29.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists from Feb. 22 through the end of the regular season.
The Lakers posted a 17-8 record during that stretch, clinching the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Doncic and James didn’t form the overwhelmingly dominant duo some expected, but their synergy was effective enough, positioning Los Angeles for a strong playoff push.
But the Lakers met their match in the first round, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. Los Angeles’ lack of size and rim protection was evident against a high-quality frontcourt in Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle and Naz Reid. To worsen matters, head coach JJ Redick continued to trot out smaller lineups because starting center Jaxson Hayes was in foul trouble or otherwise ineffective.
The Timberwolves proved to be the more physical team. Anthony Edwards was dominant. Los Angles struggled to close out games, and its Big 3 of Doncic, James and Austin Reaves kept turning the ball over and struggled in crunch time. It all added up to a first-round exit for the Lakers despite their first 50-plus win season since 2019-20.
So, where does Los Angeles go from here?
James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists while shooting 51.3% from the field in his age 40 season. He appeared in 70 regular-season games, and even at his advanced age, remains far more effective than most forward options in the league.
However, it’s unknown how much longer James intends to play. After the Timberwolves clinched the series on Wednesday, he told reporters that he’s unsure about his future. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has a $52.6 million player option for next season and must opt into that deal by June 29, or he’ll become a free agent.
Doncic, 26, is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension in August. The Lakers would be smart to move quickly if they ultimately wish to make him the franchise’s cornerstone. Because if no deal is reached, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, and the team would risk losing him — and Anthony Davis — for nothing.
Los Angeles still has to build a deeper roster around Doncic and James, and its lack of depth was glaringly evident in the T-wolves series. Cost-effective roster additions will be critical, especially at center, which was undoubtedly the Lakers’ biggest weakness. Throwing in a two-way wing that can space the floor would be a huge addition as well.
Redick proved to be a far more capable head coach in the NBA than many expected, and trading for Doncic re-opened the Lakers’ championship window. Optimism should be high in Los Angeles but given James’ age and the delicacy of Doncic’s contact situation, the margin for error going forward is slim.