New-look Luka Doncic may turn Lakers into true title contenders

Luka Doncic didn’t just come back thinner — he came back transformed.

After an incredible EuroBasket run, where he was nominated for Defender of the Tournament and played his best two-way basketball yet, Doncic returned to the Los Angeles Lakers looking noticeably quicker, leaner and sharper. He was still orchestrating the offense like a conductor, but now he looked lighter on his feet, more engaged defensively and better equipped for the grind ahead.

That version of Doncic could be what finally pushes the Lakers over the top.

Luka Doncic, Lakers are showing sharper pace and connection

In the Lakers’ 113-104 preseason loss against Phoenix on Tuesday, Doncic finished with 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists in just 22 minutes, shooting 7-of-15 from the field and 4-of-8 from three. He looked poised, decisive and completely in control of tempo, running the offense with the kind of freedom that suits him best.

Without LeBron James in the lineup as he recovers from a sciatica injury, Doncic operated as the unquestioned focal point of everything the Lakers did.

His chemistry with Deandre Ayton stood out right away. The two worked fluidly in pick-and-rolls, with Ayton sealing off defenders and giving Doncic a reliable outlet inside. Ayton finished with 10 points, finally providing Doncic with a big man who complements his playmaking rather than clogging the lane. The early signs suggest this pairing could become one of the most effective inside-out duos in the Western Conference.

For Doncic, the spacing looks cleaner and the offensive rhythm smoother. With Austin Reaves handling secondary playmaking duties and Marcus Smart managing the defensive tone, Doncic doesn’t have to exhaust himself creating every shot. Instead, he can control pace, punish mismatches and dictate outcomes — the exact formula that carried his Dallas team to the NBA Finals in 2024.

Growth in every aspect of Luka Doncic's game

The most intriguing part of Doncic's evolution isn’t the scoring; it’s the buy-in on defense. During EuroBasket, he took pride in being physical and active on that end, contesting shots and rotating with purpose. That effort translated into one of his best stretches of defensive basketball ever, and the Lakers are hoping that version sticks.

With Smart taking the toughest assignments and Ayton protecting the rim, Doncic doesn’t need to be a stopper — just reliable. His improved conditioning allows him to move his feet, close out on shooters and survive switches, something that wasn’t always guaranteed in past seasons. He’s beginning to use his size more effectively, too, walling off drives and using his body to disrupt passing lanes.

Everything points to a more complete star, who can impact both ends without emptying the tank. The Lakers’ depth also helps. They have enough rotation players to share the load, which means Doncic doesn’t have to chase triple-doubles nightly. The focus now is efficiency and control — two traits that have become his strengths.

There are still questions. The Lakers’ shooting remains streaky, and spacing could tighten once James returns. But for now, Doncic is thriving in a system that revolves around him while still giving him help on defense. It’s a structure built for long-term success, not just highlight reels.

If Doncic can maintain this version of himself — disciplined, in shape and locked in defensively — the Lakers might finally have a balance between star power and structure. It’s only preseason, but this team already looks more cohesive around him.

For years, the Lakers have searched for what comes after James. They may already have it.