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2d ago

Luka Dončić Sets Championship Target for Lakers as Defensive Questions Linger

Independent evaluations highlight lingering perimeter-defense gaps despite new signings by Los Angeles.

General Manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025 in Dallas, Texas
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Overview

  • Dončić says the 2025-26 goal is a championship despite limited external expectations for the Lakers.
  • The roster was bolstered with Deandre Ayton via a Portland buyout along with additions of Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia.
  • ESPN’s Kevin Pelton warns the Dončić–LeBron James–Austin Reaves trio is defensively limited and notes the loss of Dorian Finney-Smith.
  • Los Angeles won 50 games last season but exited in the first round after being overpowered by Minnesota’s size.
  • Dončić is under contract through 2028 on a three-year, $165 million extension after averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28 games for L.A.