When the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, they ushered in a new era of their franchise's history. In doing so, it's become clear that Doncic has the support of not just the team's current members, but also players who previously repped the team's purple and gold jerseys.
Doncic is one of the most well-rounded offensive players in the NBA, and he has helped take the Lakers to another level now that he is paired up alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves. This trio has created quite a few problems for opposing defenses, which is something James recently brought to light.
"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," James noted on his "Mind The Game" podcast.
James and Doncic have formed a star duo that reminds fans of the Kobe Bryant-Pau Gasol tandem that led the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, as Gasol and Doncic are both European. Gasol has been supportive of Doncic since his arrival in L.A., and he recently linked up with the star guard at a Lakers practice.
"Pau Gasol and Luka Doncic chopping it up after Lakers practice," LoJo Media said in a post on X alongside a video of Gasol and Doncic chatting with each other.
In 22 games with the Lakers, Doncic is averaging 27.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game while shooting 41.5% from the field. He's helped Los Angeles make a move up the Western Conference standings, as their 46-29 is currently good for the No. 4 seed in the West.
After winning three of their past four games, Doncic and the Lakers will look to keep the positive momentum up when they square off against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
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This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 6:54 PM.