The Los Angeles Lakers have been riding a wave of excitement since the trade for Luka Dončić went through. Dončić has been a game changer for the Lakers. The Lakers even went on an eight-game winning streak with both Dončić and LeBron James on the floor.
While injuries are slowly becoming a problem for the Lakers, it looks as if they’ll be getting their superstar back soon. James is expected to be back on the floor Saturday, which will have the Lakers close to full strength on the floor.
With James and Dončić about to share the floor again, the Lakers are in a prime position to make some noise as the season nears the end. Some feel that the Lakers’ ceiling has been raised by the trade.
Former WNBA Icon Says Lakers “Luckiest Team” In NBA
With James and Dončić returning to the court together, it seems likely that the Lakers can begin to win games again. The Lakers will need to monitor James and Dončić’s health though. James is returning from a groin injury, while Dončić is battling a reoccurring ankle issue.
Former WNBA Icon and All-Star Chiney Ogwumike spoke her feelings on the Lakers and their potential with Dončić on the team. She noted that the Lakers have a much higher ceiling with him.
"The L in the Lakers stands for lucky and for Luka!"@chiney thinks the Lakers are the luckiest team in the league after the trade for Luka Doncic. 😮 pic.twitter.com/Dnq8vy8Anh
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 20, 2025
“Luka Doncic has raised the ceiling for the Los Angeles Lakers by the fact that he makes everyone better. He has been able to walk in even without LeBron James. You’re seeing Austin Reaves cook.
“Everyone is a better shooter when Luka Doncic is on the floor. And I also feel like the Los Angeles Lakers might be the luckiest team in basketball. Because they wanted the trade deadline…then you see LeBron and Luka, it can work.
“Then you have a little bit of a bump in the road without LeBron James. But this allows Luka to get in rhythm. To get his legs under him at the perfect time for the playoffs while.”
Dončić has looked much better as time goes on, as he is adjusting and getting comfortable in the flow of the Lakers’ offense. Dončić’s role has become more defined as time goes on.
What Is The Lakers’ Ceiling With Dončić?
The Lakers have looked like a contender with Dončić on the floor at times, but they’ve also had their small share of defensive struggles. When the playoffs start, teams are going to key in on the players that they feel are the defensive liabilities on the floor.
While Dončić has shown improvement defensively, he’s still a bit behind the curve. Whether he raises that defensive level come playoff time or not, what he brings offensively to the table should be enough to help the Lakers make a deep playoff run.
Can the Lakers make the Conference Finals? Or the NBA Finals? There’s a real chance they could if their health maintains during this final run.