LeBron James had already been performing at an All-NBA caliber level before the Los Angeles Lakers orchestrated a blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic.
However, since the arrival of another elite playmaker who can take on a significant share of the offensive workload, James has found new ways to elevate his game.
With Doncic handling more of the creation duties, LeBron has been able to strategically conserve energy while becoming more effective as an off-ball cutter, a role he has embraced more frequently in recent weeks.
“They didn’t just trade for Luka,” a league executive noted. “They also traded for a more engaged LeBron.”
Beyond his offensive resurgence, James has displayed a renewed commitment on the defensive end as well. The Lakers have transformed into a defensive powerhouse, currently boasting the NBA’s top-ranked defense since January 15.
This represents a dramatic shift from their early-season struggles when they languished in the bottom third of the league at 21st in defensive rating through the first 30 games.
“They have the personnel of a middle-of-the-pack defensive team but are in second place,” one league executive observed. “Their scheme isn’t revolutionary, but it’s getting the job done.”
A key factor in this defensive improvement has been the Lakers’ disciplined approach and relentless effort – hallmarks of a team that understands the importance of execution.
Their current style is one typically reserved for deep postseason runs, but the Lakers have made it their identity throughout the regular season.
“Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of teams play this way in the playoffs,” said a veteran coach whose team recently faced the Lakers.
“They’re playing with the strategy in the regular season. They do it by playing with great energy and with great game-plan discipline. If you’re asking me if this is sustainable, yes, I believe it is.”
This shift in mentality comes after two consecutive playoff exits at the hands of the Denver Nuggets – the first in the 2023 Western Conference Finals and the second in the first round last season.
Now, the Lakers are positioning themselves as a legitimate threat in the West, sitting just behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the standings.
“I think they’re a championship-level team,” a Western Conference executive stated. “They’re in that upper echelon.”
With LeBron James re-energized, Luka Doncic seamlessly integrated, and the defense firing on all cylinders, the Lakers have firmly re-entered the championship conversation.
Exec: Lakers Didn't Just For Luka Doncic, They Also Traded For More Engaged LeBron James https://t.co/cSIBvh4npM
— RealGM (@RealGM) March 7, 2025
