The Los Angeles Lakers’ blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic was supposed to ignite a new dynasty—but just three weeks into the experiment, cracks are already forming. After a dazzling debut win over the Utah Jazz, the Lakers have stumbled through back-to-back losses, exposing glaring flaws in Doncic’s game and sparking whispers of buyer’s remorse within the front office.
With fans and analysts questioning whether the Slovenian superstar is the right fit for Hollywood, the pressure is mounting. Is this megadeal already on thin ice?
The Luka Doncic Dilemma: A rocky start in purple and gold
Luka Doncic’s arrival in LA—via a seismic trade that shipped Anthony Davis to Dallas—initially electrified the fanbase. His 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game since joining the Lakers, however, pale in comparison to his pre-trade averages (26.5/8.1/7.5). Shooting a career-low 35.5% from the field, the 25-year-old has looked out of sync, struggling to adapt to head coach JJ Redick’s system.
While slumps are expected during roster shakeups, Doncic’s defensive liabilities have become a glaring Achilles’ heel. Opponents are ruthlessly targeting him, mirroring the Boston Celtics’ Finals blueprint that neutralized the guard last season. In Thursday’s loss to the lowly Charlotte Hornets, Doncic’s defensive lapses allowed easy drives and open threes, leaving teammates scrambling to compensate.
“Teams know his weaknesses now,” an NBA scout told ESPN. “They’re attacking him like sharks smelling blood.”
The Defensive Black Hole: A Roster Misfit?
In Dallas, Luka Doncic’s defensive flaws were masked by elite rim protectors like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II. But the Lakers’ roster lacks such luxuries. LeBron James, while still a maestro on offense, no longer anchors the defense consistently. Forwards Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves hustle but lack the defensive IQ to cover for Doncic’s lapses.
The result? A disjointed defense ranked 22nd in efficiency since the trade. Against the Hornets, LA surrendered 131 points, with Doncic’s man scoring 28 on 60% shooting.
“The Celtics exposed him, and now everyone’s copying the playbook,” said former All-Defensive guard Tony Allen. “LA has no safety net.”
Front Office Jitters: Buyer’s Remorse or Patience?
Privately, Lakers brass is reportedly split. Some execs argue Doncic needs time to gel, pointing to his generational talent. Others fear the roster’s flaws are irreparable. “This isn’t just about Luka,” a team insider revealed.
“We mortgaged our future for a guy who might not fit our timeline.”
Coach Redick faces a Herculean task: redesigning schemes to hide Luka Doncic’s weaknesses while maximizing his playmaking. Early experiments—like using him as a decoy in off-ball sets—have yielded mixed results.
“It’s a chess match,” Redick admitted. “But we’re committed to making this work.”
With Doncic sidelined by injury (day-to-day, knee soreness), the Lakers’ upcoming games against playoff contenders like Denver and Phoenix could amplify concerns—or silence critics. The front office’s patience hinges on rapid improvement, but whispers of a Plan B (trade rumors involving Trae Young?) linger.
For now, the spotlight remains on Doncic. Can he evolve into the two-way force LA needs, or will this trade go down as a historic misfire? One thing’s certain: In Tinseltown, the clock is ticking.