The Los Angeles Lakers have an exceptionally bright future ahead of them.
Assuming Luka Doncic signs a contract extension with the organization this summer, LeBron James returns for at least one more season, and Los Angeles finds a viable big man, the organization could finish the 2025-26 campaign more positively.
After the Lakers’ season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, James touched on his partnership with Doncic while shutting down critics who blamed the dynamic duo for most of Los Angeles’ shortcomings.
“Teams win championships,” James said on the Mind the Game podcast on May. 8. “Yes, individuals get a lot of the accolades and the praise, but a collective group wins championships.”
“Now, you have your big guys that make big plays at the end of games, throughout the game, or whatever the case may be, but ultimately, teams win championships.”
“It was never just about me and Luka. It was never just about Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle; it was always Minnesota vs. the Lakers. I’m at a point now where I don’t lose sleep over that, like, (expletive), how did me and Luka lose? There’s eight other guys on the floor.”
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The franchise’s title odds skyrocketed when Doncic joined the Lakers in early February.
Although Doncic isn’t known for his defense, pairing him with a do-it-all, physically gifted forward in James seemed to be a recipe for postseason success.
However, without a frightening frontcourt presence to support Doncic and James, the Timberwolves outlasted the Lakers in a five-game opening-round playoff series.
Doncic averaged 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, while James poured in 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per contest.
To James’ point, he and Doncic weren’t the Los Angeles contributors on the hardwood.
It’s reasonable to expect them to assume most of the scoring and facilitating responsibilities, but assets like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura shouldn’t be exempt from scrutiny.
Simply put, the Timberwolves took advantage of the Lakers’ big man issue and outplayed them on all fronts, allowing them to extend their season.
For the Lakers to enjoy a significant 2026 playoff run, Doncic and James’ supporting cast must also deliver under the bright lights.
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