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4w ago

Lakers Shift Focus to Defense, Rebounding in Offseason Push Around Doncic and James

Magic Johnson has stressed that Luka Doncic must improve conditioning to lead a roster Rob Pelinka intends to bolster through targeted defensive upgrades alongside rebounding support

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a basket during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
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Overview

  • Following his trade from Dallas, Luka Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game across 28 regular-season outings for the Lakers.
  • The Lakers fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five playoff games, highlighting gaps in defense and on the glass.
  • Magic Johnson told Doncic that a superstar must arrive playoff-ready without prompts in order to deliver a championship.
  • Doncic has posted weight-room footage suggesting he is addressing conditioning during the offseason.
  • GM Rob Pelinka has identified defensive-minded and rebounding players as key targets to support Doncic and the expected return of LeBron James for 2025-26.