Lakers Now Belong to Luka Doncic, Not LeBron James

Doncic has taken over as the primary playmaker, allowing James to take on a reduced role

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:03am

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The Los Angeles Lakers have transitioned from being LeBron James' team to now belonging to Luka Doncic. Doncic has emerged as the primary ball-handler and playmaker, dictating the tempo and controlling the matchups. This has taken a lot of pressure off the aging James, who no longer has to carry the entire offense on his shoulders for 48 minutes. James can now focus on moving, cutting, and picking his spots to attack a defense that is already reacting to Doncic first.

Why it matters

This shift in team leadership from James to Doncic represents a significant changing of the guard for the Lakers. As James gets older, the team is preparing for an eventual transition away from him as the centerpiece. Doncic's rise as the new face of the franchise means the Lakers have a clear succession plan in place, rather than having to scramble to figure out the post-LeBron era.

The details

Doncic is now averaging around 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game in March, putting up these impressive numbers as if it's just his default setting. He's taken complete control of the Lakers' offense, dictating the tempo and deciding when the opposing defense finally breaks. This has allowed James to take on more of a complementary role, moving and cutting off the ball rather than having to force the action every possession.

  • In March 2026, Doncic is averaging around 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game.
  • Earlier this week, Doncic had a 60-point outburst against the Miami Heat.

The players

Luka Doncic

The 23-year-old Slovenian superstar who has taken over as the primary ball-handler and playmaker for the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James

The 41-year-old Lakers veteran who is transitioning into more of a complementary role as Doncic has emerged as the new face of the franchise.

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What they’re saying

“Doncic is the puppet master. He dictates the tempo. He controls the matchups and decides where the help comes from. Doncic controls when the other team finally breaks and collapses. By the time James has the ball, half the work is already done.”

— Chris Pownall, Contributor

The takeaway

This transition from LeBron James to Luka Doncic as the Lakers' primary offensive engine represents a significant changing of the guard for the franchise. As James enters the twilight of his career, the team is well-positioned for the post-LeBron era with Doncic firmly established as the new face of the franchise.