Lebron and Luka are set to put the rest of the western conference on notice as the most exciting duo in the league
Luka DoncicCredit: AP Photo
The Lakers grabbed the attention of the entire sports world and sent the internet into a frenzy last year thanks to a colossal trade with Dallas, sending former NBA Champion Anthony Davis to the Mavericks for the prodigal phenom Luka Doncic. This move came out of nowhere and shook every fiber of the entire NBA, leaving LA fans in utter joy and excitement, while Maverick fans understandably dwelt in frustration.
But since the trade occurred roughly midway through the season, it was expected that Luka and the Lakers’ core would need more time to polish their team chemistry and iron out any kinks.
The team finished 3rd in last year’s Western Conference standings and made it into the playoffs, although they were eliminated early in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite that, fans liked what they saw with Luka and knew that if they were given enough time to train together, the team could truly be unstoppable.
Fast-forward to today, Luka, Lebron, and the rest of the Lakers should definitely meet these expectations after sharing the entire offseason together, while still having a full 82-game schedule to compete hard and grow stronger.
For the most part, the Lakers’ roster looks fairly similar to last season’s cast. Notable players who opted out of signing back with the Lakers include center Alex Len and forward Markieff Morris.
New additions to the team are mostly undrafted players, which may or may not come back to haunt the Lakers later on. Lately, the Lakers have had a good streak at finding diamond-in-the-rough studs among undrafted players who produce greatly, such as the wildly entertaining shooting guard Austin Reaves, who has quickly made a name for himself around the league as a big shot maker.
Probably the biggest name to sign with the team in the offseason is former Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart, who holds a reputation as one of the grittiest, hardest-working players one could ever face. Smart not only brings an edge to the team but also more championship experience after winning the chip himself with Boston in 2024.
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The Lakers are also addressing an ongoing issue at the center position by bringing in former #1 pick Deandre Ayton to help support starting center Jaxson Hayes in the backcourt. Although Ayton was brimming with potential when initially entering the league, he has since failed to meet any of those expectations during his years with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers. But if there was anyone to help pick up the pieces of his career, it would be under the leadership and guidance of Lebron, who has historically shown outstanding chemistry with bigs, such as Kevin Love and Chris Bosh.
We can’t wait to see Lebron and Luka hit the court after having a whole summer of training together. Should all the stars align, there is zero doubt that the Lakers will stop at nothing short of attaining another ring.
The Lakers’ first preseason match-up is on Friday, October 3rd, against the Phoenix Suns, with the first game of the regular season taking place here in Los Angeles against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, October 21st.