Gobert looked like Shaq: How the Lakers were exposed — and what comes next for LeBron and Luka

Gobert Looked Like Shaq: How the Lakers Were Exposed — and What Comes Next for LeBron and Luka

In the world of sports, moments of brilliance can often be fleeting, and for the Los Angeles Lakers, this was never more evident than in their recent playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers, led by the audacious Luka Doncic, found themselves in a battle that would ultimately end their 2024-25 season earlier than anticipated. Let’s dive into the details of this dramatic series and explore what lies ahead for the Lakers and their star players, LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

The Shot Heard ‘Round the Arena

With the shot clock ticking down to under one second, Luka Doncic, known for his daring plays, stepped back to evade the towering reach of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels. Doncic launched a high-arcing shot that found its mark, giving the Lakers a one-point lead with 6:30 remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 5. The Crypto.com Arena erupted with chants of “Lu-ka! Lu-ka!” as Doncic, despite nursing a tweaked back from an earlier collision with Wolves guard Donte DiVincenzo, displayed his signature mix of will and savvy.

However, this moment of glory was short-lived. It was the last shot Doncic made, and the last lead the Lakers held, as Minnesota closed on a 16-8 run. The Lakers missed nine of their final 12 shots, with Doncic missing his last two attempts. This swift dissipation of momentum mirrored the Lakers’ season and Doncic’s journey since being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers three months ago.

A Season of Change and Challenges

The transition for Doncic was monumental. The 26-year-old, a first-team All-NBA selection for five consecutive seasons, went from being a franchise icon in Dallas to joining a Lakers team built around LeBron James. The season was marked by transformational change, warring narratives, and a quest for rebirth.

Despite the challenges, Doncic sought comfort in familiar routines. He brought his Dallas pregame ritual to Los Angeles, where he would launch three half-court shots after his spot shooting around the 3-point arc. This routine was not just for fun; it was a commitment to extra conditioning after joining the Lakers with a strained left calf that sidelined him for 5½ weeks.

Doncic’s game-day routine was rigorous, starting at 9 a.m. with bodywork, shots, weightlifting, and a cold tub plunge. Maintaining this routine was a sign of his dedication to reaching peak form with his new team, hoping to unlock the Lakers’ full potential.

The Disappointing Playoff Exit

Despite their efforts, the Lakers’ potential outpaced their actual performance. The series against Minnesota ended in a disappointing five-game, first-round loss. The Timberwolves, bigger, deeper, and younger, outplayed the Lakers in nearly every aspect.

The Lakers’ season felt like a race against time. Doncic was trying to fast-track his recovery and integration into the Lakers’ ecosystem. First-year coach JJ Redick was navigating his learning curve, while president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka was revamping the roster around Doncic. Meanwhile, LeBron James continued to deliver championship-level play at 40 years old.

Time ran out to develop chemistry, acquire a center to pair with Doncic, and protect the rim. Time is also running out on James, who, when asked about his future, said, “I don’t know. I don’t have the answer to that.”

Unleashing Joy: A Slogan Unfulfilled

The Lakers’ postseason slogan, “Unleash Joy,” was meant to capture Doncic’s spirit. However, their playoff run ended in just 12 days. The Lakers lost Game 1 by 22 points, won Game 2, but then lost the next two games in Minneapolis. Their most glaring deficiency was in the frontcourt.

• Three days after trading Anthony Davis to Dallas for Doncic, the Lakers attempted to acquire 7-footer Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. However, Williams failed the team’s physical examination, and the trade was rescinded.
• With the trade deadline passed, the Lakers signed 7-footer Alex Len off the waiver wire. Len played in only 10 of 31 games and didn’t crack Redick’s rotation.

Meanwhile, Minnesota’s depth was further strengthened by trading Karl-Anthony Towns to New York for Julius Randle and DiVincenzo. This depth became more pronounced as the series wore on, and Redick tightened his rotation even more.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Lakers

Despite the early exit, the Lakers have reason for optimism. In James’ first season with the Lakers, they missed the playoffs, but the next season, after adding Davis, they won the title. Similarly, Doncic’s first season with Kyrie Irving in Dallas ended without a playoff appearance, but they reached the Finals the following year after reshaping their supporting cast.

The Lakers are committed to building around Doncic, and Pelinka expressed excitement about the promise of Doncic in the next decade of Laker basketball. Doncic, who will spend the summer playing for the Slovenian men’s national basketball team, has the option to sign a lucrative extension with the Lakers in August.

LeBron James, who has made a concerted effort to empower Doncic, emphasized that Doncic’s decision about his future is his own. “Laker fans f—ing love him here,” James said. “L.A. has accepted him. We love him as a teammate, as a brother. But ultimately, he’s got to make a decision for him.”

The Lakers are determined to show Doncic that this year’s first-round loss was an aberration, a bumpy start to what they hope is a long and fruitful journey together.