Warning Signs and Concerns in LeBron and Doncic's Lakers

Diego Jiménez Rubio - 20 Feb 2025
Lebron James Luka Doncic

The two defeats against mediocre NBA teams and the team's poor performance raise doubts about their aspirations.

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Alarm in Lakers. Photo: gettyimages

Losing is never pleasant, even more so after a move like the signing of Luka Doncic and against lesser opponents. Los Angeles Lakers have a long way to go if they want to be a strong contender for the ring this season, facing serious tactical problems since the Slovenian arrived.

If the intention in incorporating Luka Doncic was to reduce the dependence of Los Angeles Lakers on the level of LeBron James, the plan is not going well at the moment. Clearly out of shape, the Slovenian has severe difficulties setting the team's pace, is a defensive liability, and is not positioning well within the spaces generated by Reaves and LeBron. The good Austin seems to be the main victim of this change of plans, and the scoring options for the Angelinos are scarce.

They depend on the playmaking talent of LeBron and, to a lesser extent, of Luka, taking very hurried three-point shots that diminish their shooting percentage and relying on the pick and roll with Jaxson Hayes as the only evident way to find some flow. Succumbing to a denigrated Hornets team has been a tough blow that will make JJ Redick reconsider things. The coach must find a way to make the team's game much more reliable and start winning games if they want to avoid a collapse in the standings of the Western Conference. There are problems in the new Los Angeles Lakers.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las señales de alarma y preocupación en los Lakers de Lebron y Doncic