Mar 4, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Lakers Insider Discusses Potential Zion Williamson Fit With Luka Doncic

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 3:06 PM ET

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for young superstar guard Luka Doncic ahead of February's NBA trade deadline, the franchise's motivations became clear: Build a future for the post-LeBron James era.

Now, instead of building around James, which they already won a championship by doing, the Lakers are preparing to build around Doncic, and will continue competing for a title for the next decade if they do it properly. That means, especially once James either leaves Los Angeles or retires, the Lakers will need to find a co-star to take some weight off of Doncic.

Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

A name that was recently brought up as a potential co-star for Doncic was New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. However, Lakers insider Jovan Buha recently discussed why that pairing would be a bad idea.

"I will say Zion, Luka, and A.R. (Reaves) and Ayton and whoever … I see some major concerns defensively," Buha said. "And I think if you traded for Zion, that probably means you need to move on from Austin, honestly. Because Zion and Luka, for as skilled and gifted and talented and dynamic and just the production between those two, like there are some real defensive concerns."

Williamson, 25, is an unbelievable offensive force when he is healthy, and he has proven that throughout his young career. While there are undoubtedly some injury and defensive concerns around him, the former first-overall pick is a star.

"...Offensively, it would be incredible. Luka-Zion pick and roll probably (would be the) best pick and roll in the NBA," Buha continued. "I just, I don’t know. It could be worth the swing, I guess, especially if you’re thinking more like future term, but (the concerns with Williamson are) the health, some of the decision making off the court that he’s had and the defensive limitations."

Zion Williamson last season:

24.6 PPG
7.2 RPG
5.3 APG
1.2 SPG

Did it in under 30 minutes per game. pic.twitter.com/aAj3wpzbT3
— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 5, 2025

On paper, a duo of Doncic and Williamson would be virtually unstoppable, but the reality is that Los Angeles would be unlikely to take a big swing at the Pelicans star. Of course, there are questions about whether or not the Pelicans want to trade Williamson away; regardless, especially if it were to mean fueling a potential Lakers championship run.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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