Mar 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) on the sidelines against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Lakers Offense Projected To Struggle Following Offseason Changes, Says Insider

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 7:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers brought Luka Doncic in midway through last season in order to have a more formidable offense. He has proven to be one of the best offensive players in the league.

Doncic is able to get any shot he wants on the court. Add LeBron James to help pass him the ball, and Doncic proved to be just as great as everyone thought he'd be in Los Angeles after a slow start.

Despite the fact that now Doncic has had an entire year in Los Angeles, one NBA pundit does not think that the Lakers will have an elite offense next year.

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The Los Angeles Lakers are projected to have just an above average offense by one pundit

According to Grant Swartz of Bleacher Report, the Lakers are going to have an above-average offense, but not an elite one. He gave them a B+ grade.

One of the reasons he believes they won't be elite is the fact that they won't have Dorian Finney-Smith stretching the floor for them next year.

"The Lakers' offense improved by 9.3 points per 100 possessions with Dorian Finney-Smith on the floor, although the veteran forward left to sign with the Houston Rockets this offseason."

He also cites James' age and uncertain future as a reason for this grade.

"James will turn 41 by the end of the year and has an uncertain future with the Lakers hanging over his head as free agency looms next summer."

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The Lakers will need more from Luka Doncic to make the NBA Finals

Doncic is going to have to be the focal point of the offense heading into next season. With him being the primary creator of the offense for the entire season, the Lakers are hoping they will be better.

This team is going to have to win by outscoring other teams because their defense is still not going to be great, even though Deandre Ayton should be a better rim protector in the middle.

As long as Doncic and James are able to stay healthy, the offense shouldn't be an issue in Los Angeles. How well they play defense is another matter.