Lakers 2024-25 season player grades: Luka Doncic

USA Today

5 hours ago

The basketball world was stunned on the night of Feb. 1 when the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off what has to be called the trade of the century. They dealt superstar big man Anthony Davis, emerging 3-and-D wing Max Christie and a future first-round draft pick to the Dallas Mavericks for young, generational superstar guard Luka Doncic.
The Lakers had seemingly gone stale for a few years leading up to that trade, and their future after LeBron James' inevitable retirement or departure looked bleak, as Davis was creeping further into his 30s. But now, Lakers mystique has been restored by the arrival of Doncic, who is 26 years of age and perhaps not even in his prime yet.
While he did well with the Purple and Gold, he still has lots of room for improvement.
Luka Doncic's season stats
In 28 regular-season games with the Lakers, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals a game while shooting 43.8% from the field, 37.9% from 3-point range and 79.1% from the free throw line.
In the first round of the NBA playoffs, Doncic averaged 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.0 steals a game while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.8% from 3-point range and 89.1% from the free throw line.
Overall Analysis
Doncic immediately made things so much easier on everyone once he made his Lakers debut. He instantly became their main facilitator and decision-maker in their set offense, which allowed LeBron James to conserve his energy and play off the ball. He also made life easier for Austin Reaves, whose scoring and shooting efficiency sprouted upward soon after Doncic's arrival.
The Slovenian made L.A.'s offense a lot more dynamic by giving it a third player who can score big points while creating opportunities for others. Before his debut, the team averaged 112.8 points a game and had an offensive rating of 114.4, but after his debut, those numbers rose to 114.3 and 115.9, respectively.
He made a habit of getting off to fast starts. He averaged nine points a game in the first quarter this season, which was third in the NBA. But he put up just 5.3 points a game in the fourth quarter, which ranked 42nd.
Much has been made of Doncic's lack of fitness and conditioning, which is likely a factor in his reduced offensive production late in games. Of course, it is also likely a reason he has been deficient as an on-the-ball defender. Interestingly, the Lakers had a defensive rating of 111.5 when he was on the floor, which was better than their 113.8 overall defensive rating for the entire regular season.
He struggled in the first round of the playoffs when they got ushered out in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He shot above 45% in just two games, and he didn't play up to his standards in the fourth quarter. Minnesota was also able to lower the number of assists he had — he mustered one assist in Game 1 and two in the pivotal fourth contest.
What's next for Doncic?
One thing the Lakers need to do this offseason is get Doncic signed to some sort of long-term contract extension. He has a player option for the 2026-27 season, which means he's just one year away from being able to become a free agent.
While there has been some anxiety about whether he will stay put beyond next season, there have been some indications that he does want to be a Laker for the foreseeable future.
In the meantime, it looks like Doncic has slimmed down. This is a very good sign, especially since training camp for next season is still over three months away.
Overall grade: B-plus