Are Lakers Contenders After Luka Trade?

Are Lakers Contenders After Luka Trade?

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a bold move by acquiring Hall of Fame talent Luka Doncic. While it's premature to declare them immediate contenders, considering Doncic's impressive track record and the Basketball Hall of Fame's broader scope, he is a lock for enshrinement.

The trade has been finalized, but its full impact remains uncertain. The Lakers are already looking ahead, while Dallas Mavericks fans are still reeling from the loss. However, the process is far from complete.

Dispute

A dispute has arisen over the rescinded trade for Mark Williams, with the Charlotte Hornets disputing the Lakers' claim that Williams failed his physical exam. This unprecedented situation leaves no clear precedent in the rulebook. Will the Lakers face penalties or be forced to push through the trade? The uncertainty is palpable.

As a result, the Lakers are reportedly signing Alex Len, an experienced center, to fill the void left by Williams. While Len's addition won't significantly alter their standing, he brings seven feet of height and NBA veteran credibility. This development factors into our evaluation of the Lakers' contender status.

Dazzling Debut

Luka Doncic made his debut for the Lakers, playing it safe in his first outing. Given his prolonged absence due to injury, it was a cautious approach. Nevertheless, he showcased his signature court vision, passing prowess, and instincts. The question of whether he would mesh with LeBron James has been answered yes, they are both basketball savants.

While LeBron's physical gifts set him apart, Luka's innate court sense and maturity have earned him recognition. Despite being traded due to perceived limitations, Luka's on-court wisdom belies his youth. It seems natural for him to excel in this game.

Some argue that the Dallas Mavericks' decision to trade Luka was motivated by financial concerns rather than performance issues. While conspiracy theories abound, it's clear that new ownership was unwilling to commit to a $350 million contract. This move may have been driven by more than just Luka's skills.

The Long Game

One name dominates discussions of the Lakers' chances Nikola Jokic. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are a formidable opponent, but Jokic is the Lakers' arch-nemesis since their 2020 title. As long as they struggle to protect the rim, small ball tactics will only carry them so far.

If Luka and LeBron remain healthy and develop chemistry, they can win regular season games. However, the playoffs are another story. A matchup with Jokic is the primary concern. Anthony Davis's desire for a center may have been driven by this very issue.

Are the Lakers contenders now? It depends on their playoff performance. If they avoid Jokic and make further moves in the offseason, they can become certified contenders as early as next season.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.