It’s been a full year since Luka Dončić joined the Los Angeles Lakers. On Feb. 2, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks shocked the NBA world by trading Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. It was a move few saw coming, as there were no trade rumors leading up to the deal. It simply happened in the blink of an eye.
While Mavericks fans were upset by the trade, the Lakers’ fan base rejoiced, fully aware of the level of talent Dončić brings. Many believe the Lakers won the deal, given how they have remained among the top six teams in the Western Conference since the start of the season. However, Stephen A. Smith had plenty to say about the Dončić era in Los Angeles.
Stephen A. Smith Thinks that the Lakers are a Mid-Tier Team Despite Luka Dončić’s Presence
There is no question that there is a new sheriff in Los Angeles. While LeBron James will always be dubbed the King, Dončić has undeniably become the face of the franchise. Dončić currently leads the league in scoring, averaging 33.6 points per game. His efforts have helped the Lakers hold a spot among the top six teams in the West.
While their current standing is good enough to avoid the play-in tournament for now, Smith believes the situation is far from secure. He sees several problems within the Lakers’ roster. While the stars may be meeting expectations, the team’s lack of depth could push them into the play-on picture by the end of the regular season.
Smith urged the Lakers to address their depth issues or risk remaining a mid-tier team.
“They’re not in a good position, because they’re average,” Smith said. “They’re not awful, and they’re not great. They have a great one in (Luka Dončić). LeBron is still great. Austin Reaves has elevated his level of play, but his durability has been an issue because he’s been injured.
He also argued that the James-Dončić pairing does not make them better than other Western Conference contenders.
“In the 80 games that he’s been a Los Angeles Laker, 51 of them have been with LeBron James. They’re 32-19 when they play together. Obviously, they won 60% of their games when he’s on the court. But that doesn’t make you better than OKC, Denver, one would argue Houston, Minnesota, and San Antonio.
“You’re basically looking at a Los Angeles Lakers team that’s good enough for the play-in. Potentially good enough for a first-round playoff berth, but going home thereafter. … You want to be great, or you want to suck, and the Lakers are neither. They’re in the middle, and I think that’s the problem.”
.@stephenasmith reflects on the Lakers one year after the Luka-AD trade:
“They’re not in a good position because they’re average. They’re not awful, and they’re not great.” pic.twitter.com/RnwCtvrNUW
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 2, 2026
Ahead of Monday’s games, the Lakers sit in sixth place with a 29-19 record. They are at risk of falling to seventh if the Phoenix Suns, who are 30-20, continue to win. With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Lakers’ front office may need to act quickly if it hopes to maximize what remains of the regular season.
