The Los Angeles Lakers have built a perimeter duo that has the potential to legitimately dominate the NBA. 25-year-old Luka Doncic and 40-year-old LeBron James are two of the most complete offensive threats in Association history, and even at different ages, remain remarkably effective.
Unfortunately, the Lakers' stunning 100-97 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, Feb. 19 revealed the biggest issue Doncic and James will face.
Los Angeles was superb on defense against Charlotte, but the offense never seemed to get going. The Lakers shot 41.1 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from beyond the arc, with Doncic unable to get anything going on a 5-of-18 shooting night.
With Doncic struggling, the ball understandably went James' way during the fourth quarter, as the hot hand was fed in a key moment.
It was a logical approach, as Doncic's 14 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists suggested he was better off facilitating. James, meanwhile, posted 26 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds on 10-of-22 shooting, thus suggesting the hot hand was indeed his own.
Unfortunately, James missed two threes in the final five seconds and the Lakers lost their first game after the All-Star break.
LeBron, Luka discuss how Lakers will balance late-game situations
The manner in which the Lakers choose to close out games will be a talking point until it's resolved. Doncic, James, and head coach JJ Redick will be tasked with striking the proper balance in that regard, which was inevitably a talking point after the Hornets loss.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Doncic felt it was as simple as feeding the player who was in more of a rhythm as a scorer.
"He had it going, so obviously we're going to go to him," Doncic said. "I think it will go both ways. One time it's going to be him, one time me. So I think it depends how the game is going."
Before anyone loses their minds, try to remember that both Doncic and James have spent their careers in situations just like this.
James won each of his four championships alongside Hall of Fame scorers such as Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Dwyane Wade. Each of those pairings required a degree of discretion as far as who should have the ball when the game was on the line.
Doncic, meanwhile, reached the NBA Finals with that same dynamic at play between himself and Kyrie Irving, and reached a Conference Finals playing that way with Jalen Brunson.
That, in no way, guarantees that Doncic and James will be able to get on the same page and strike the proper balance. It does, however, provide a reason for optimism given the fact that they've been in this position before.
Patience will be essential, but if any two players can figure this out, it's the superstars the Lakers have paired together in 2024-25.