Luka Doncic’s arrival has redefined the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense, with LeBron James shifting to a more off-ball role. This change has revitalized the team’s performance, especially with James back from injury. The dynamic duo, along with Austin Reaves, could be the Lakers’ key to a deep playoff run, indicating untapped potential.
Since Luka Doncic joined the Los Angeles Lakers and took over as the Lakers’ primary ball-handler, the team instantly felt the shift. For years, LeBron James had dictated the Lakers’ offense, controlling the tempo and making every key decision.
Now, he was suddenly playing off the ball more than ever before. But instead of disrupting the flow, this change unlocked something special. The Lakers went on an absolute tear, looking like a team that could do serious damage in the playoffs. They had the perfect blend of star power, chemistry, and momentum, making them a legitimate nightmare for opponents.
Then came the setback. James went down with an injury, and suddenly, the Lakers looked lost.
Without him, their defensive holes became glaring, and opponents wasted no time attacking Doncic, forcing him into tough situations on both ends of the floor. The losses piled up, knocking them down in the
Western Conference standings. But now, with James back in the mix, Los Angeles seems to be regaining its footing at just the right time.
LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves: Los Angeles Lakers’ ultimate playoff weapon
Since LeBron James returned, the Lakers have looked like themselves again, winning three of their last four games.
They’ve had some slip-ups along the way, but their recent play shows they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best. James, for one, thinks they haven’t even hit their full stride yet.
“Myself and Luka will have the two best defenders every night. There’s not many teams with a third defender. And that third defender has to guard Austin Reaves. We have the ability to interchange. We have the ability to do so many great things,” James said while speaking with Steve Nash on his “Mind the Game” podcast.
Defenses are struggling to keep up with this duo. James and Doncic draw so much attention that it opens up the floor for everyone else. Whether they’re attacking the rim, kicking it out to shooters, or creating second-chance opportunities, they’re forcing defenders to make impossible choices every possession.
LeBron James’s adaptability gives Los Angeles Lakers a competitive edge
For years, James was the one calling the shots, setting the tempo, and making every crucial play. But with Luka Doncic now steering the offense, LeBron has taken a step back from those responsibilities.
That shift has given him more freedom to move, pick his moments, and find different ways to leave his mark all over the court.
“When I know that it’s for the betterment of the team, I am able to adapt to whatever position that needs to be done. I can do things that can affect the game still, that benefits our team. What I do best is (staying) even more unlocked. I’m going to pick you apart,” James said.
With Doncic controlling the ball, James has been able to move off the ball more freely, cutting to the basket, exploiting defensive gaps, and playing an opportunistic style that makes him even harder to defend.
Defensively, James has taken on more of a free safety role, roaming the floor and making crucial reads. Against the Houston Rockets, he showed just how effective this approach can be—reading the play, rotating over to help Austin Reaves, and swatting away Alperen Sengun’s layup attempt. Plays like that highlight his ability to impact the game beyond just scoring or facilitating.
Seven games remain in the regular season, and the Lakers’ playoff picture is still up in the air.
