NBA Analyst Strongly Believes Luka Dončić Should Take ‘Last Shot’ for Los Angeles Lakers Instead of LeBron James Next Season

One NBA analyst strongly believes Luka Dončić should take the “last shot” for the Los Angeles Lakers instead of LeBron James next season.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report explained why he thinks Dončić, and not LeBron, should be the Lakers’ closer in 2025-26.

“LeBron James actually took on a larger fourth-quarter offensive role following the All-Star break (8.5 points on 6.0 field-goal attempts, 6.6 points on 5.0 attempts before), not looking like someone who was ready to give up the crown quite yet,” Swartz wrote. “Luka Dončić didn’t even take as many end-of-game shots as Austin Reaves. Expect that to change this season.

“The five-time All-Star appearing to be in terrific shape should help those legs stay fresh in the fourth quarter and a new three-year, $165 million extension only helps solidify his position at the Lakers’ new alpha.”

LeBron is arguably the greatest player in NBA history, but he turns 41 next season. Dončić is just now entering the prime of his career. He turns 27 next season and lost a lot of weight this offseason.

The Lakers need LeBron to be fresh in the playoffs to win the championship. It would be wise for the team to heavily rely on Dončić and Reaves during the regular season so LeBron’s body is crisp for the postseason.

A four-time MVP, LeBron is “supportive and understanding” of the Lakers moving toward a Dončić-led future, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN. Dončić and LeBron played 23 games together last season. LA went 15–8.

Dončić averaged 27.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.3 assists next to LeBron, who averaged 23.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists alongside Dončić last season. The two future Hall of Famers proved to be a good fit next to one another.

The Lakers are expected to start Dončić, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron and Deandre Ayton next season, multiple sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com. It will be fascinating to see if JJ Redick’s group can make the NBA Finals and win it all.