The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the world by acquiring Luka Doncic at February's trade deadline, shipping Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the most unexpected deal in NBA history. The Lakers made an incredible decision by acquiring Doncic, 26, who will be their franchise cornerstone for years to come.
However, the Lakers certainly did not get the results they were hoping for in Doncic's debut campaign. Everyone was excited to see the new pairing of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, but the duo went just 16-12 together, including a 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)
Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
James is already 40 years old, and with his time in the NBA running out, the Lakers may not be able to capitalize on having the legendary forward. Of course, the Lakers traded for Doncic to bridge the gap between eras, but they would love to see their star duo win one together.
However, three-time NBA champion and former San Antonio Spurs sharpshooter Danny Green does not think James and Doncic will bring LA a title.
"No, I don't think so," Green said about the duo winning a championship together. "I think they're explosive offensively. I think they lack a lot defensively. As great as Bron is... I don't know how many years he has left. I think it's really hard to win a championship when your best player is 40 years old. You can't ask him to do it on both ends of the floor.
"Same with Luka. When they carry offensively, they used to not have to do as much defensively. The guy that can help clean or cover up their messes is gone... I think ultimately, Luka replaces Bron for when he's done, and they build around Luka."
Will Bron & Luka win a chip together? 3x NBA Champion Danny Green weighs in.
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The Lakers are undoubtedly missing a piece or two to be able to compete for a title with James and Doncic leading the way. However, they are certainly still building toward when Doncic has the keys after James retires, making sure they are a team to watch for years to come.