Lakers' Luka Doncic move future-proofs franchise for the post-LeBron era

Doncic joins a Lakers team slowly preparing for its post-LeBron James era. The veteran superstar turned 40 on Dec. 30. Sooner or later, he will bow out of the NBA — or look to join a genuine contender for one last hurrah. By adding Doncic now, the Lakers have solidified their future. They will have one of the world's best players on the roster for what could be the next 10 years. 

In the short term, there will be considerable teething issues. Both Doncic and James are heliocentric ball-handlers. James will be the player tasked with adapting and embracing more off-ball duties. After all, Doncic is the rising star, and James is the setting sun. 

Still, no matter what happens over the next 12-18 months, Rob Pelinka can begin building a roster around Doncic. The Lakers have somehow pulled themselves out of the quicksand. Before this trade, the franchise had Davis (31) and James (40) as the leading stars. Doncic adds multiple years of stability simply due to his age and his ability to continue improving. 

Pelinka's next job is to add more defensive talent to the roster. Doncic isn't known for his ability to shut down opposing defenses, and James is too old to be an anchor on that side of the floor. They need a defensive-minded guard and a rim protector. 

Doncic isn't without his flaws as a player, but he gives the Lakers a much larger championship window. As of this morning, the future for the Purple and Gold is looking brighter than the one they went to sleep with. 

We might not see immediate success, but betting against Doncic, with the recruitment power of the Lakers, would be a fools' errand.