Lakers set to surprise next season

After the Lakers made their shocking trade for Doncic last season, they went 15-8 in games where he shared the court with James, a 53-win pace. They did this despite Doncic never fully recovering from a calf injury that limited his mobility and fitness. 

Last year's Lakers were scrambling for anyone to play center after dealing Anthony Davis for Doncic, giving minutes to marginal NBA players like Trey Jemison, Alex Len, Christian Koloko and Markieff Morris and even using forwards like Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt to play the 5. Now they have Ayton to start, Jaxson Hayes in a more appropriate backup role and a healthy Maxi Kleber to give them a stretch-5 option (career 35.4 percent from three-point range).

Doncic took a Dallas Mavericks team to the NBA Finals just one year ago that had one other star (Kyrie Irving), plus a collection of talented role players. Both Doncic and James elevate their teammates, since they draw a ton of defensive attention and they're both adept at finding open players. The Lakers didn't need stars as much as they did a deep, competent bench, which they should have. If Kleber and Dalton Knecht are the 11th and 12th men, that's a solid rotation.

Perhaps James will finally slow down in his age-41 season, but he made the All-NBA second team in 2024-25. He's still a very, very good player. With the additions the Lakers have made, both he and Doncic should be able to get more regular-season rest. Plus, they'll have had plenty of court time together, a huge benefit for two of the NBA's highest basketball IQs.

It's tempting to focus on younger teams like the champion Oklahoma City, the emerging Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. But Doncic beat the Thunder in the playoffs a year ago with a 50-32 team that didn't have LeBron, and the Rockets lost to a banged-up Golden State Warriors team in the playoffs.

Somehow, the Lakers are underrated. James and Doncic may correct that perception quickly.