Luka Doncic is a bully. That statement is meant to be received in the kindest way possible. After an injury-riddled 2024-25 NBA season, Doncic's offseason transformation should allow the Los Angeles Lakers to fully capitalize on the rim pressure created by a healthy Luka.
The issues on display last season by the overall lack of that crucial element was noted on a recent episode of Buha's Block. Jovan Buha's guest, Daman Rangoola, pointed the matter out.
Rangola stated, "In the playoffs especially, it was very clear they had no rim pressure. ... That physical force wasn't applied. ... If you want to win a championship, ... I think rim pressure wins high pressure games. ... I think Luka will be an instantaneous big boost to the offense."
The Lakers ranked 14 out of the 16 teams in the 2025 NBA Playoffs when it came to points per game (100.4). Similarly, they had a disappointing offensive rating of 109.1, placing them 12th out of 16. Doncic being the best version of himself in 2025-26 should help address those issues.
Lakers need MVP-level Luka Doncic in upcoming campaign
One of the defining elements of Doncic's game since entering the league has been the way in which the Lakers superstar point guard has been able to move defenses. Luka has showcased an incredible knack for drawing in defenders and capitalizing through his playmaking when those units are out of position.
Doncic's drive-and-kick game has been deadly. The five-time All-NBA member has reliably boosted the perimeter shooting numbers of his teammates by creating a handful of very easy looks from behind the arc.
Likewise, the attention that Luka demands in the pick-and-roll is unrivaled. That leaves easy opportunities for his partner in those scenarios.
That is the version of Doncic that can catapult the Lakers to title contention in 2025-26. The player who averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists per game, and was an MVP finalist in 2023-24, is the guy who the Lakers will hope to see on a nightly basis.
It's not a matter of want. It's a matter of need.
Rangoola mentioned it in his appearance alongside Buha, the Lakers' personnel demands it. Of their three lead horses on offense, Doncic is the one best suited to fill that role of applying rim pressure.
LeBron James is old and it is unfair to demand that of him on a regular basis. Austin Reaves can get to the rim, but that is not the biggest strength of his offensive arsenal.
For Doncic, it should be business as usual to apply that kind of discomfort to opposing defenses. The Slovenian superstar has enjoyed seasons like 2022-23 when he averaged 10.5 free throw attempts per game.
Luka's commitment to an offseason program that has the basketball world buzzing is letting imaginations run wild everywhere. The hope from here would be seeing the realities that everyone knows are possible once the new season starts.