The Perfect Situation for Luka to Showcase Why It’s His Team
Since the blockbuster trade sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Lakers have injected new life into the team. Since the trade, the Lakers have managed to be as far up as the second seed at one point before eventually finishing the season at third. Doncic's numbers have not changed, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in 28 games for the Lakers to finish the season. When facing his former teammates and the Dallas Mavericks, Many wondered if the Mavs were ready to face Luka’s wrath in his return game. Donicic went off as if the pressure never existed, going for 45 points and a relatively easy win.
Doncic has been showcasing that this was the perfect situation for him. Getting to play with his idol, Lebron James, and many good shooters who can complement his passing game. The playoffs will show why this was the perfect situation for him and why he's ready to take the reins as the team leader from his idol. LeBron reaggravated his groin injury right before the start of the playoffs. It’s an injury he had been dealing with for years. Doncic now has the opportunity to showcase what he has learned from his experiences being with the Dallas Mavericks and learning under one of the greatest, Lebron James.
A first-round matchup with a familiar foe will determine how far ahead the Lakers are as a team for a championship run. Going against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves is the brink of the final phase to showcase why it’s Doncic's team now. Suppose he can take a team that was barely supposed to be in the playoffs before the trade and to the second round, or even better, a Western Conference Finals appearance. In that case, there won’t be any more doubt about whose team it is and why it was the perfect situation for Doncic. This immediate success will lead to a better offseason where they can bring in more help for James and Doncic and build the team around Doncic's needs. The pressure of being a Laker won’t be easy for Doncic, but this upcoming playoff run will showcase why he belongs in L.A.
