nypost
The Los Angeles Lakers have embarked on a transformative chapter in their celebrated franchise history, marked by the departure of LeBron James. This shift has raised numerous inquiries regarding the team's offensive strategy, yet the scoring prowess of Luka Doncic remains a formidable force that cannot be overlooked.
During the previous season, when Doncic and Austin Reaves shared the court without James, the pair achieved a top-two offensive net rating. Consequently, the acquisition of center Walker Kessler is anticipated to elevate the Lakers' offensive performance to unprecedented levels this season.
Former NBA champion and analyst Kendrick Perkins provided an even more audacious outlook on the squad. "Luka is so great when he has a dynamic roller that loves to finish at the basket," Perkins remarked. "But also, Luka is a different type of guy in the pick-and-roll. I wanna see the [Lakers] develop that same energy that [Luka] had with Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively. They knew when Luka was in the pick-and-roll to always stay ready. I believe the Lakers are going to have the best offensive team in the league."
In the last campaign, the Lakers were ranked 19th in defensive rating and surrendered 114.6 points per game, which placed them 11th in the league. Despite lingering defensive concerns as the 2026-27 season approaches, the offense is projected to possess ample firepower.
The team is expected to implement more off-the-ball movement this season, integrating several new roster additions. Whether they can coalesce sufficiently to lead the league offensively remains to be seen.
Key Analysis
Perkins' bold prediction underscores the Lakers' offensive upside with Doncic at the helm. The chemistry between Doncic and Reaves, combined with Kessler's rim-running ability, could create a dynamic pick-and-roll attack reminiscent of Doncic's successful partnerships in Dallas. However, the team's defensive shortcomings from last season may hinder their overall success unless addressed. The Lakers' ability to mesh quickly will be crucial in determining if they can indeed claim the top offensive ranking.
Originally reported by nypost.