The Los Angeles Lakers are ushering in what they hope will be the dawn of a new era with the debut of superstar Luka Doncic, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks just over a week ago. The fanfare surrounding Doncic's arrival has been palpable, especially as he is set to take the court for the first time since recovering from injury. Expectations are high, perhaps unrealistically so, as the Lakers look to build upon their recent success where they have won five consecutive games.
Doncic will step onto the court against the Utah Jazz, and head coach JJ Redick has confirmed the starting lineup which includes Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes, alongside the new face of the franchise, Doncic. The decision to keep Hachimura over Dorian Finney-Smith as a starter has stirred up conversations about the team's defensive prowess. Despite calls to incorporate Finney-Smith’s defensive skills right from the get-go, Redick has opted for stability with Hachimura, who has demonstrated consistent performance this season.
“There was a lot of thought around Doe [Finney-Smith],” Redick explained. “But frankly, the way he plays doesn’t change whether he starts or not, and Rui has been fantastic all season long.” Hachimura’s scoring ability—averaging 13 points and 5.2 rebounds, with impressive shooting metrics—seems to have swayed Redick’s decision. This lineup prioritizes offensive spacing, particularly important as both Doncic and James often control the ball, requiring players on the floor who can stretch defenses.
But concerns remain. The Lakers’ starting five, including Doncic, could struggle defensively, lacking strong options against larger offensive players, which critics are quick to highlight. Metrics reveal the team’s defense has improved with Finney-Smith on the floor, leaving many to ponder if Redick might eventually be compelled to adjust the starting lineup if lapses occur.
Meanwhile, Doncic's arrival signifies not only the ambition for immediate success but also the urgency for long-term stability. His contract situation looms large, with the potential for free agency appearing on the horizon for 2026. The Lakers' management must tread carefully; failure to nurture this situation could lead to significant consequences. If Doncic were to decline contract extensions, the organization could face rebuilding efforts—not something the Lakers, with their historical commitment to contention, wish to entertain.
The trade itself caught many off guard. Doncic had been perceived as untouchable after leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals and securing All-NBA first-team honors for five consecutive years. His acquisition should have been the first of many efforts to solidify the Lakers as title contenders, but they stumbled at the initial hurdle when a trade involving center Mark Williams fell through due to medical red flags, leaving them with few options to fill the gap at center.
Currently, the Lakers are resorting to playing small ball. With only Jaxson Hayes—and an injured Christian Wood as backup—the roster lacks depth at center. Hachimura, even though he showed efficiencies, highlights the strategic necessity for the Lakers to find their footing quickly. Having someone like Doncic will certainly help, but it must be complemented with the right talent around him.
The pressure is squarely on the Lakers' front office, with general manager Rob Pelinka at the helm to address these intricacies. If this compromise of playing small continues, how much longer can they expect Doncic to remain committed? He has made it clear he wants to compete for titles, and the current structural issues could make him reconsider if the direction doesn’t mend soon.
Critics are already weighing the risks of not addressing these concerns immediately. Once Doncic starts getting comfortable with his new surroundings, how will the Lakers adapt their rotations without compromising their defensive integrity? Redick is known for his flexibility, having altered his rotations throughout the season. Should Doncic thrive offensively, will they insist upon remaining stagnant defensively?
For now, all eyes will be glued to Doncic as he takes the court Monday night. The overwhelming excitement is coupled with palpable nervousness. If they can minimize lapses defensively, the Lakers could be set up for a playoff push. But let’s not ignore the shadows of what lays beyond the immediate success. Coach Redick has said it himself: if defensive struggles become clearer, “we may need to tweak things.” With Doncic officially rising, it’ll be interesting to see how quickly they adapt.
This debut not only serves as the beginning of Doncic's era with the Lakers but also acts as the tipping point for what the franchise will prioritize moving forward. The storyline diversifies with the lineups being set, as expectations are set high for both Doncic and the team as they look to navigate these early challenges together.