Key Highlights
- The Los Angeles Lakers are being urged to trade Luka Doncic in order to sign another star player.
- This suggestion comes as the Lakers struggle defensively, ranking 24th league-wide with a points-against average of 117.8 per 100 possessions during a recent 4-13 slump.
- Analyst Max Kellerman believes trading Doncic could bring in more assets than trading Austin Reaves and potentially open paths to defensive stars, thus improving roster balance.
- The timing of this debate is significant, with the February 5 trade deadline approaching and the Lakers hovering around eighth place in the Western Conference standings.
Trading Luka Doncic for Star Power: A Controversial Debate
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a crossroads as they navigate their roster for the 2025/26 NBA season. Analyst Max Kellerman has suggested that trading star player Luka Doncic could be the key to unlocking flexibility and acquiring another high-profile addition, potentially revitalizing a team that is currently struggling on defense.
The timing of this suggestion is particularly poignant given the recent performance of the Lakers. Despite their initial success early in the season, the team has experienced a significant downturn, with their defense ranking as one of the worst in the league. During a damaging 4-13 stretch, the Lakers surrendered an average of 117.8 points per 100 possessions, highlighting the need for defensive improvements.
Doncic’s First Season in Los Angeles
The 2025/26 campaign marks Doncic’s first full season with the Lakers after his high-scoring debut. While his offensive brilliance has been a bright spot, the team’s recent struggles have reignited discussions about roster balance and long-term planning. As the February 5 trade deadline looms, the debate over whether to keep or trade Doncic intensifies.
Max Kellerman’s Proposal
Kellerman argues that trading Doncic could yield a substantial haul of assets, potentially more than acquiring Austin Reaves. His reasoning centers on the idea that overlapping skill sets and defensive gaps necessitate a bold rethink. “I think it’s a problem if all of your resources are funneled to those two places,” Kellerman stated on the Mason and Ireland Show. He further explained, “There’s a world – it will never happen – where you could get to deal Luka because you get more for him than Reaves, then build around him.”
The analyst also highlighted concerns about defense, suggesting that in order to win a championship, the best player on the team needs to be willing to at least play team defense. “If your best player isn’t that, very hard to win a championship,” Kellerman added, referencing the example of Steph Curry’s willingness to defend.
Recent Performance and Future Implications
The Lakers’ recent performance against Atlanta provided a stark reminder of their offensive capabilities when everything clicks. LeBron James posted 31 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds as Los Angeles snapped a three-game losing streak with a commanding 141-116 win. Luka Doncic complemented James with 27 points and 12 assists, guiding the Lakers through a dominant second half that produced a 32-point lead early in the period.
Despite this offensive display, questions remain about whether such performances can consistently mask defensive shortcomings, especially in playoff environments.
Through 41 games, Doncic leads the league with an average of 33.4 points per game, adding 7.9 rebounds and 8.8 assists to power a top-ten offense. Defensively, he owns a career-best 110.5 rating and 1.6 steals per game.
The debate over Doncic’s future with the Lakers continues as the team faces a critical decision that could shape their prospects for the remainder of this season and beyond. The February 5 deadline will be crucial in determining whether the Lakers opt to trade one of their key players or keep him to potentially build a championship-caliber roster.
