The Los Angeles Lakers are nowhere near winning a championship with Luka Doncic, and Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals proved exactly why. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in double overtime behind a 41-point double-double from Victor Wembanyama. Both teams put their depth, youth, athleticism, and overall skill on full display. It was a heavyweight showdown that the Lakers simply cannot match.
OKC swept LA in the second round, and only one game was close. The Lakers didn't have Luka, but Thunder were without Jalen Williams, their second-leading scorer. J-Dub returned on Monday night, but it was still not enough for his team to get the win over the Spurs without De’Aaron Fox.
Alex Caruso had the Lakers feeling regret from start to finish on Monday night, but the overall display should have created the worst feelings. LA wants to win a championship with Doncic. To do so, they will have to knock off both of these juggernauts.
The Lakers are far from title contention right now
When Los Angeles sold out to stop Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell punished them. The 6’4 guard had four points in Game 1 against the Spurs. OKC’s incredible depth ran the Lakers out of the gym. San Antonio matched it on Monday night, and they didn’t even have their All-Star point guard.
Yes, the Lakers didn’t have Luka Doncic in that series, but the Thunder swept them with three blowout victories. Los Angeles kept it close with their season on the line, but number 77 alone wasn’t swinging that series.
Victor Wembanyama is only 22 years old, but he looked like the best player in the world on Monday night. Luka Doncic can match him punch for punch in a playoff series, but the Lakers can’t keep up with the rest of the talent San Antonio or Oklahoma City can throw at them.
Lakers fans know this. It was clear throughout the playoffs that Los Angeles needs more shooting, defense, and depth. Doncic is the alpha capable of leading a title team. The Lakers believe Austin Reaves is his co-star. Now, the front office must find the pieces to maximize them.
The purple and gold aren’t just a player or two away. Head coach JJ Redick really only trusted seven players in the playoffs. Luka would have made eight, but Oklahoma City and San Antonio are going nine and ten deep. The Thunder have guys outside their rotation that would be key contributors for the Lakers.
LA’s biggest concerns should be finding youth and athleticism. They couldn’t match the Thunder in transition, and San Antonio is built in the same mold. Los Angeles must find some young talent on cheap contracts that can match up with these juggernauts.
The Los Angeles Lakers have Luka Doncic. That is the most difficult piece for any title contender to acquire. Game 1 of the West Finals proved the purple and gold aren’t close to winning it all. The Thunder and Spurs are deeper, more talented, and more cohesive than the Lakers.
Rob Pelinka has to change that. The goal is to win a title with Luka. That means defeating those legendary teams. It starts by upgrading the roster this offseason, so stay tuned to see what the Lakers can pull off.
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