Luka Doncic is one of the best passers in the entire NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers failed to provide an environment in which that ability can get maximized in his first season with the team.
Doncic only averaged 7.5 assists in his first regular-season run with the Lakers. Over the course of an entire season, only Luka's rookie year featured a lower mark. His playoff average of 5.8 assists per game was the worst of his postseason career.
On the most recent episode of Mind the Game, which involved Doncic joining as a guest, Steve Nash brought up his admiration for the 'late pass' ability of the young superstar. The six-time All-NBA member explained it was something developed over time.
"What I always said to my teammates, once I go up, stay in your spot because I know where you were before," Doncic told Nash and LeBron James. "And then if I don't have any option, I'll pass it to you."
What the Lakers need to take away from this is obvious. Doncic must be surrounded with shooters in the 2025 offseason.
Rob Pelinka needs to mold team around Doncic offensively
Everyone, including us at this editorial, has discussed the need for the Slovenian superstar to get a center during the offseason. That much is still true. However, adding shooting around Doncic will be an important part of the equation to maximizing the gifted offensive superstar as well.
JJ Redick and his staff were more than happy to adjust the offense to a brand of basketball that suits their superstar point guard better.
Before the All-Star break, the Lakers shot 40.0 percent of their field goals from 3-point territory (ranking 21st in the league). After the break, that number shot up to 46.9 percent (ranking 4th in the NBA).
The Lakers continue to lead the NBA Playoffs in percentage of field goals attempted from beyond the arc. They got nearly half of their offense from distance, taking 49.2 percent of their shots from triple.
Doncic's ability to create great looks on the perimeter for his teammates cannot be wasted by the Lakers, considering Redick's willingness to play a perimeter-oriented attack. It's like a tree falling in the forest. If no shooter is there to receive the open look from Luka, the impact is not felt by anyone.
Rob Pelinka will need to navigate the free agent market this offseason to secure budget-friendly shooting options that fit the Lakers' scheme. Not doing so would be setting oneself up for predictable failure.