The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline in a deal that was expected to instantly propel the team to contending heights. It's gone rather well thus far, as Los Angeles finished the 2024-25 season with 50 wins and are on pace for 54 in 2025-26.
For as compelling as those truths are, it's becoming clear that the plan for the 2025-26 season is to effectively stay the course and make more meaningful roster improvements next summer.
Los Angeles has several glaring flaws that need to be addressed, particularly on the defensive end of the floor.