When the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a midseason trade to acquire Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, the move shook the NBA and demanded instant tactical adjustments.
Bringing in a high-usage playmaker like Doncic alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis was always going to change the team’s dynamics – but few could have anticipated how dramatically it would affect the flow of the offense.
Doncic, a generational talent known for his composure and ball dominance, thrives when dictating the pace. His ability to slow down the game and bend defenses to his will is unique – and that required even the Lakers’ most experienced stars to adapt.
As the four-time NBA champion explained on a recent episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, Doncic’s impact was felt immediately.
“It’s always his pace. It’s always been his pace,” James said. “It’s never been a game be like, ‘OK, you can speed me up, he can speed me up, this bigger guy can be more physical, the smaller guy can get up underneath me.’
“He moves at his own pace, and he’s never ever been on the floor where he’s allowed someone to dictate where they’re going to put him on the floor. It’s always been the opposite.”
For James, who has spent most of his career orchestrating the offense, learning to share that responsibility with Doncic meant recognizing the value of playing off the ball more often.
While Anthony Davis brings interior dominance and defensive presence, Doncic brought the Lakers a player who could carry the playmaking load – forcing a recalibration of how the team executes in the halfcourt.
As James further noted, adapting to Doncic’s court vision isn’t just about learning his tendencies – it’s about staying mentally locked in every possession. Doncic can find passing lanes no one else sees, meaning teammates must always be ready for a surprise assist or drive-and-kick.
“For us, we’re all working off that, just gotta stay ready. Obviously, we’ve seen throughout his career, there’s plays and passes that certain guys in the league’s history have ever been able to make,” James continued.
“For us, we all just have to make sure we continue to stay ready, especially when you’re going against antsy teams, athletic teams, teams that try to speed you up.
“We always have to keep our head on a swivel ’cause you just never know, never know when the ball may find you. And that’s a good thing, that’s keeping the defense off-balance.”
The new partnership between LeBron and Luka offers the Lakers more versatility. With Doncic initiating, James can pick his moments to drive, spot up, or lead fast breaks, conserving energy as he prepares for his 23rd NBA season.
Meanwhile, Doncic has reportedly focused on improving his conditioning – a point of critique during his time in Dallas – as he prepares to carry more weight in Los Angeles.
This offseason presents an opportunity for the Lakers to solidify their system around their superstar duo. If their chemistry continues to evolve, the team could emerge next season with one of the most dynamic offenses in the league – one that blends Doncic’s surgical control with LeBron’s timeless adaptability.
