One year after the Luka Doncic trade: how much have the Lakers grown?
One year after trading for Luka Doncic, the Lakers are dealing with injuries, expectations and a chemistry that has never truly been tested. The potential is there, but time is running out
Twelve months after one of the most seismic moves in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers symbolically return to the place where it all unfolded with almost cinematic flair: Madison Square Garden.
The result doesn’t go their way against the New York Knicks (a 112-100 loss), but the night provides the perfect backdrop to take stock at midseason, one year after the trade that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles.
The question is unavoidable: how much closer are the Lakers to a championship than they were in February 2024?
On the Garden floor, Doncic delivers as usual: 30 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists, numbers that reflect a leadership now firmly established. After the game, however, the Slovenian keeps a measured tone, far from bold declarations.
I think we’re in a good spot. Obviously, we still have work to do. Tonight we missed a lot of good shots, but I really believe this is a great group.
Luka Doncic
LeBron James, recently named an All-Star Reserve, echoes his teammate’s optimism, while acknowledging the structural challenges faced so far.
I like this group. We’ve had some really good moments and some not-so-good ones. We’re trying to build something, but it’s tough with all these injuries.
LeBron James
The reference is clear and significant: Austin Reaves, the designated third offensive pillar, has been sidelined for weeks.
The Austin Reaves issue and a chemistry never truly tested
Reaves has now missed 19 consecutive games with a left calf strain. Against New York, he was a game-time decision before being ruled out shortly before tipoff, as explained by JJ Redick.
It’s a delicate situation. We’re evaluating him day by day. We hope to have him against Brooklyn, but he needs to feel 100%.
JJ Redick
One stat looms larger than all others: Reaves, James and Doncic have shared the floor in just 8 of the team’s 48 games this season. Far too little to define the Lakers’ true identity.
Not surprisingly, LeBron underlines the uncertainty.
It’s hard to really know who we can be.
LeBron James
A familiar calf issue
Doncic, well aware of this type of injury after dealing with it himself upon arriving in Los Angeles (22 games missed), shows both empathy and pragmatism.
I know how tough it is. With a calf, you can’t mess around. The most important thing is that Austin comes back only when he’s healthy. We’re waiting for him.
Luka Doncic
A winning record, but a different context
Despite everything, the numbers say the Lakers are 29-19, firmly in the Western Conference playoff race. A year ago, right after a win over the Knicks, they stood at 28-19. On the surface, it looks similar – but the context has changed.
The project now revolves around Doncic, no longer Anthony Davis, who was traded along with Max Christie and a future first-round pick to complete the deal with Dallas (alongside Maxi Kleber).
Trade deadline approaching
With the trade deadline looming, the front office may not be done yet. Redick, however, urges a realistic perspective.
No roster is perfect. There isn’t a team where every piece fits flawlessly. What matters is how you respond to ups and downs.
JJ Redick
And according to the Lakers’ head coach, the response has been encouraging.
Over the past month, the guys have done a really good job playing for each other and producing good basketball.
JJ Redick
The provisional verdict
One year after the Luka Doncic trade, the Lakers are not yet a consolidated title contender – but they are not an unfinished project either. The feeling is of a team suspended between what it is and what it could become, waiting to finally see the trio at full strength… and to find out whether the market will deliver the final piece of the puzzle.