The Luka Doncic trade was the deal heard around the world. Even with the move coming late into the evening on the east coast of North America, fans quickly rushed to their phones to ponder whether Shams Charania actually sent that tweet.
Once the initial shockwaves of the seismic trade had settled, the conversation shifted to the outlook of this deal on both the present and future of the Los Angeles Lakers. The consensus that emerged out of that discussion was more or less 'Los Angeles punted on the 2024-25 season, but set themselves up beautifully for the near future.' That has not been the case.
Large portions of the NBA community underestimated just how great the Lakers could be with Doncic and LeBron James at the helm in the aftermath of the deal. Having two bona fide superstars still holds its fair share of weight.
With the younger of the two top ten players in Los Angeles continuing to etch himself into the Lakers' history books, a disappointing stretch like the team's recent road trip should not disillusion fans to how sunny the skies are in Hollywood right now.
Doncic on a historic pace with his start in Los Angeles
When it comes to being mentioned alongside LeBron in most facets of basketball history, that is exactly the type of company a player should be thrilled about keeping. That is certainly the case with the following statistical feat for Doncic.
According to StatMamba on Twitter/X, the Slovenian superstar joined James as the fastest Lakers players to record 300 points and 100 assists with the organization. That goes to show that even a perceived 'slow start' for Doncic has still been more than good enough to have him in elite company.
The main point of concern for onlookers criticizing the initial stretch for Luka with the Lakers would be the underwhelming shooting numbers. Doncic has posted shooting splits of 41-35-78 to this point of his tenure in Los Angeles.
Those points of contention are largely overblown for a player that was working his way back into proper game shape after an injury held him out for a sustained period of the 2024-25 season.
With the occasional outlier, Doncic has posted more than his fair share of encouraging shooting performances over the more recent games played for the talented offensive weapon. On top of that, even if the five-time All-NBA member does continue to display some difficulty finding his shot, the historic start has proven Doncic will always be able to fall back onto his otherworldly passing ability.
With the return of James looming for the Lakers, it should be business as usual in no time for the Lakers once again. As far as Los Angeles is concerned, that is certainly a good thing for both the now and what follows thereafter.