JJ Redick: The Lakers Offense Will Run Through Luka Dončić. Any Issues for LeBron, Reaves?

The Lakers need to figure out how the offense is going to operate now that Luka Doncic is in purple and gold. With LeBron James and Austin Reaves, too, the Lakers definitely have multiple guys who can handle the ball and distribute. And obviously LeBron is... LeBron. But JJ Redick has basically eliminated any mystery, saying that the offense is going to run through Doncic. Obviously there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to this sort of thing, but importantly, any question about what the flow chart looks like has been addressed. This is important, because the Lakers don't have a ton of time to reach whatever their ceiling is for this season. And having quietly moved up to fourth in the West following this weekend's games—and only two games behind Memphis and Denver, who are basically tied for the second and third seeds—the league is certainly giving a lot more thought to what LA's ceiling might be. It's easy enough to be a prisoner of the moment, following Saturday's big win in Denver, and maybe forget how bad the Lakers looked against Utah going into the break, and Charlotte coming out. But it's also easy enough to just kinda run with the early season narrative (true at the time, no question) that the Lakers simply aren't good enough to contend, and not adjust that evaluation even with the introduction of new evidence. Because for those paying attention, a few things have become clear. Most importantly, the team has shown it can play high level defense. And critically, they showed it was possible before Anthony Davis was traded in games where Davis didn't play . Even including the Charlotte game and choppy execution against the Blazers, the Lakers have allowed about 300 points in their last three games. That is very, very good work in today's NBA. Overall, the defense over their last 25 has been near the top of the league. That's a big enough sample size to decide the Lakers are capable of being good enough on that end to contend. It's easy to forget that personnel has changed. Swapping D'Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith has made a big impact, as Jarred Vanderbilt's return from injury and Gabe Vincent's return to form. Or that LeBron has put out significantly more effort on that side of the ball. It was already a different team, and then they got Luka. There's still a lot to figure out, but it does seem like that win on Saturday changed the perception of the team around the league. Now it's time to solidify it win a few more good wins. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The offense belongs to Luka. SEGMENT 2: Any issues gonna pop up because of that? SEGMENT 3: LA's defense feels sustainable. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com . Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Robinhood With Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. To receive 3% boost on annual IRA contributions, sign up at robinhood.com/gold . Door Dash They Swoosh, You Save: when any player scores 50 or more points in a game during the 24/25 NBA regular season, DashPass members save 50% on an order, up to $10 off with promo code NBA50 . 50% Off 1 Order (Up to $10 Off) Offer valid from 9:00 AM PT through 11:59 PM PT after a 50 point performance in any game during the NBA season on orders placed at participating merchant locations. Valid only in the United States. Maximum value of discount is $10.00. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code NBA50 to redeem. See further terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/ . FanDuel Right now, new FanDuel customers can get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.