The Western Conference has an entirely different competitive landscape after the 2025 trade deadline. The biggest threat is seemingly the Los Angeles Lakers after they acquired Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis and Max Christie.
While the Lakers are 1-2 with Doncic on the floor, Paul George expects the franchise to be one of the toughest matchups in the league because of the Luka and LeBron James two-man game. He discussed the same extensively on ‘Podcast P.’
“I think it’s gonna work because both of them are high-level IQ players. They understand spacing, they understand pick and rolls, they see plays two-three plays ahead, they know how to manipulate the defense, they are both obviously great with the basketball in their hands.”
“I think that’s why Luka was brought over, so Bron can be off the ball more and not have to make all the plays. I think it’s gonna work man. I think it’s a ‘pick-your-poison’ type situation because both those guys can set up the defense.”
“When they get into their pick-and-roll, your two best defenders are guarding LeBron and Luka, so now you gotta switch that. Bron is so big and strong that it’ll be hard to get under that screen. This will cause confusion, it will cause chaos. Whether the defender is switching out and guarding Luka or Bron, it’s a chain effect because of the size of these guys. They are 6’8″ and 6’9″ and can see over the defense.”
“I am sure JJ is going to have shooters in both corners. Luka is so great at playing with athletic fives. That’s what unlocks his game, his potential, and his ability to get downhill to put pressure on the rim is a five-man who can take the lid off the roof. So it’s definitely going to be dynamic with Jaxson Hayes there.”
George also exclaimed how happy he is that the Lakers rescinded their acquisition of Mark Williams while still saying that games against the Lakers will be a ‘nightmare.’
“Thank God the Mark Williams sh*t didn’t go through… Good Luck in the West – it’s gonna be a nightmare when you play the Lakers”
“I think it’s gonna work.. Thank God the Mark Williams sh*t didn’t go through.. Good Luck in the West – it’s gonna be a nightmare when you play the Lakers”
– Paul George on the Lakers 🍿 pic.twitter.com/ZB6z0QiuEs
— NBALakersReport (@NBALakersReport) February 19, 2025
George isn’t in the West anymore, joining the Philadelphia 76ers last summer. Otherwise, he might not have been as complimentary of the Doncic-James duo given he was representing their rival Los Angeles Clippers last season. However, everything he said is applicable if Doncic finds his form once again.
Luka has struggled in three games with the Lakers, averaging 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 35.6% from the field and 20.8% from three. They fell to a shocking 97-100 loss to the Charlotte Hornets last night, with Doncic having an extremely disappointing performance.
While the signs of how dangerous the Luka-LeBron duo can be are evident, they are just signs until Doncic finds the consistency required to take the baton from LeBron as franchise leader.
George is very familiar with both players, having been one of LeBron’s biggest rivals in both the East and the West over his career. George was crucial in Luka’s maturation into an NBA superstar, defeating his Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2020 and 2021 Playoffs before losing to him in the 2024 Playoffs last season.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
