When Luka Doncic joined the Los Angeles Lakers, questions immediately arose about whether he could coexist with LeBron James due to their similar positions and playing styles. However, the two superstars quickly silenced any doubts, proving they can thrive together and lead the Lakers to new heights.
Lakers legend and NBA champion James Worthy couldn’t hold back his admiration for the dynamic duo after the Lakers’ win over the Pelicans. “I don’t know if there’s a combination of players that these guys possess,” Worthy said, via Lakers Lead. “I know it’s only been one month, and I know LeBron is 40, but I can already see, these two together, they create a lot more production”.
Worthy even drew comparisons between the skillsets of James and Doncic and those of his former teammate and Lakers legend Magic Johnson. “The way they play the game, LeBron’s a great passer. Luka’s a great passer,” Worthy continued. “They’re always a threat when they have the ball in their hands. It’s like having two Magic Johnsons on the floor”.
Worthy also pointed out that Doncic’s arrival has allowed LeBron to focus on fewer responsibilities, as he now has a teammate who shares his vision and style of play.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to LeBron James #23 after his pass during a 111-102 Lakers win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Harry How/Getty Images)
“He [LeBron] got to worry about nothing. He knows he’s got another guy out there who plays like him, thinks like him,” Worthy added. “They’re rebounding collectively. They’re helping collectively. They’re studying. They’re really connected on defense”.
see also
Luka Doncic’s stunned reaction to Lakers star LeBron James’ historic 50,000-point NBA feat
Lakers’ surge with James and Doncic
Since the Slovenian star joined the Lakers, the team has gone 8-2, including a seven-game winning streak. Under head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers have turned their season around. In December, they were in 10th place, but they now sit in second, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
LeBron James has been on a tear, averaging 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game over the past month, earning him Western Conference Player of the Month honors. Although Luka Doncic had a slow start as he worked his way back from an injury, his recent performances have been electric. Over his last three games, Doncic has averaged 30.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 9.7 assists.
Carmelo Anthony on the James-Doncic pairing
NBA legend and former Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony also shared his thoughts on the LeBron-Doncic pairing, emphasizing how the addition of Doncic has benefited LeBron by easing his workload and allowing him to take on different roles.
“I just think it’s very sustainable,” Anthony said during an episode of his podcast. “A lot of teams that Bron had weren’t willing to make s— work. We weren’t willing to make the s— work when I was with the Lakers. Luka’s got the ball now, and this is the first time we see Bron deferring to somebody with the ball. And he feels very comfortable with Luka being in control of that”.
