The NBA is about to experience the Lakers at full strength for the first time since acquiring Luka Doncic, and it could be a game-changer for the league.
As reported by ESPN, Lakers head coach JJ Redick informed the media that Doncic is now fully ready to play after being limited in his first two games with the team this season.
“He’ll be fine,” Redick said on Tuesday night. “The extra five or six days from the All-Star break were helpful for him. His minutes will increase on Wednesday, and I don’t expect any restrictions going forward.”
In short, brace yourselves because we are about to witness a much more formidable Lakers team, especially if the glimpses before the All-Star break were any indication.
Doncic and LeBron James quickly seemed to establish strong chemistry, playing seamlessly together in both games. The fact that they showed this chemistry despite Luka’s limited playtime and not being fully integrated into the lineup suggests that once they get in sync,
Their partnership will be pivotal for the Lakers’ success this season and likely beyond. Early signs show that Doncic has a unique ability to gel with James and shooting guard Austin Reaves. With him on the floor, the offense flows much more smoothly than it did with Anthony Davis as the centerpiece.
The Lakers are set to become even more dangerous in transition with a healthy Doncic. Though their size may not be as imposing, they now have more athleticism, better shooting, and a deeper mix of playmakers and off-the-ball scorers than they did before. Expect them to pick up the pace, move the ball efficiently, and experiment with the on-court dynamics between Doncic, Reaves, James, and others.
Defense, particularly in the paint, could still be a concern. Doncic is not known for his defensive prowess, and losing Davis would be a significant hit to any team’s defense.
However, make no mistake: this Lakers team is stronger than it was before the trade. And as the season progresses, they will only improve. That reality alone should be enough to make the rest of the league very nervous.
