Rich Paul thinks the Luka Doncic–LeBron James two-man game can be a real weapon for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rich Paul sees a winning formula between the two stars
During Sunday’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Paul told LeBron James he liked how a late pick-and-roll involving Luka opened the floor and simplified everything. That moment may have quietly unlocked something the Lakers have been searching for.
On the Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul podcast, Paul explained why the action stood out. “You catching the ball here with a live dribble, being able to bring over two… it takes Luka off the ball for a second,” he said. That brief shift forces defenses to hesitate, and hesitation is all elite scorers need.
Paul also shared what he told LeBron in real time. “Luka likes to be in his rhythm on the step-back, but he also can really catch and shoot where he’s square.” The point was not to take the ball away from Luka Doncic but to give it back to him in better situations. He would have fewer late-clock bailouts and many more clean reads.
That is where this pairing makes sense. Doncic needs the ball to dictate games. LeBron, at this stage of his career, does not. He has already seemed to have embraced a more off-ball role this season, understanding that efficiency matters more than volume. When he initiates and then releases, the defense has to choose, and either choice gives the purple and gold an advantage.
Max Kellerman added that Doncic’s numbers could benefit from this shift. “His shooting percentage, especially from outside, would be much better if he didn’t always have to create his own shot.” That statement by Kellerman should not be considered a knock on Doncic’s brilliance. It is an acknowledgment of how much he has had to do on his own.
LeBron remains one of the best passers in basketball history, recently passing Chris Paul for the most combined assists in regular-season and playoff games. But his game has evolved. With Doncic handling more playmaking duties, LeBron has become more deliberate with every touch.
“When your usage is a little bit down, you cannot afford to be turning the ball over a lot,” LeBron said after the Memphis Grizzlies game. “You barely got the ball in your hand. So, I just make the most of it.”
That approach fits this two-man action perfectly. It sharpens Doncic’s looks, keeps LeBron efficient, and simplifies the offense for everyone else on the floor. It is not as flashy as some highlight reel plays, but it is extremely functional, and sometimes that is how winning basketball starts to take shape.