LeBron, Doncic Shine as Lakers Surge in Standings/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTOIN/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Since acquiring Luka Doncic from the Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers have transformed into title contenders, going 16-3 since January 20. LeBron James continues making history while thriving alongside Doncic, whose passing and scoring have elevated the team. Meanwhile, other trade deadline moves, including Jimmy Butler to Golden State and De’Andre Hunter to Cleveland, are reshaping the NBA playoff race.
Lakers’ Trade Success: Quick Look
- Luka’s Impact: Doncic’s arrival has fueled the Lakers’ 16-3 record since Jan. 20.
- LeBron’s Milestone: Nears 50,000 career points across regular season and playoffs.
- JJ Redick’s Praise: Calls James the ultimate competitor and leader.
- Dallas’ Struggles: Anthony Davis injured; Kyrie Irving sprains knee in latest setback.
- Golden State’s Boost: Jimmy Butler trade sparks Warriors’ playoff push.
- Cavs Get Stronger: De’Andre Hunter addition fuels Cleveland’s unbeaten streak.
Lakers and LeBron Soaring After Luka Doncic Trade
Luka’s Arrival Transforms Lakers into Contenders
Take Sunday night’s win over the Clippers: Jaxson Hayes secured a rebound and quickly fed Doncic, who launched a perfect 75-foot chest pass downcourt to LeBron James for an effortless layup. The chemistry between the two superstars has been undeniable, and the Lakers’ resurgence is proof of their immediate impact.
Since trading Anthony Davis to Dallas for Doncic, the Lakers have gone 16-3, the best record in the NBA over that span. The team, once struggling for consistency, has surged to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference—a position they haven’t held since the season’s opening week.
“It’s been great,” Doncic said. “The atmosphere has been unbelievable, and we just want to give the people what they want—and that’s winning.”
LeBron Nears Another Historic Milestone
Sunday’s win also marked a personal achievement for LeBron James—his 1,000th career regular-season victory. He joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1,074), Robert Parish (1,013), and Tim Duncan (1,001) in the elite 1,000-win club.
James is also just one point shy of 50,000 career points when counting both regular season and playoff games. The record is unofficial, as NBA stats don’t include play-in games or the 2023 NBA Cup title game, but James will almost certainly reach the mark Tuesday against New Orleans.
“He’s one of the greatest competitors,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “He sets the standard for how you’re supposed to approach this craft.”
Mavericks Face Injury Woes After Davis Trade
While the Lakers are thriving, the Mavericks are struggling to adjust after trading away Doncic. Dallas acquired Anthony Davis, hoping to pair him with Kyrie Irving—but injuries have derailed their plans.
Davis played just one game before suffering a groin injury on Feb. 8, sidelining him indefinitely. Worse yet, Irving sprained his knee Monday night, adding to the team’s growing list of setbacks.
Coach Jason Kidd admitted that injuries have left the Mavericks shorthanded.
“It seems every time we get close to getting somebody back, someone else goes down,” Kidd said after Monday’s game.
Jimmy Butler Sparks Warriors’ Playoff Push
The Golden State Warriors made a major move before the trade deadline, acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. While they remain in the thick of the Western Conference play-in race, Butler’s presence has already made an impact.
Stephen Curry, who exploded for 56 points against Orlando, praised Butler’s defensive abilities and leadership.
“He’s a guy that impacts winning at both ends of the floor,” Curry said. “You see how much he’s helped us so far. … He’s gone to two finals and he’s motivated more than ever to try to get back there.”
Cavs’ Under-the-Radar Trade Pays Off
Cleveland quietly pulled off one of the smartest trades at the deadline, adding De’Andre Hunter from Atlanta. The results have been immediate: The Cavaliers are 8-0 with Hunter, winning those games by an average of nearly 19 points.
In a thrilling comeback win over Portland, Hunter led the charge, prompting high praise from coach Kenny Atkinson.
“I didn’t think we were going to win the game,” Atkinson admitted. “De’Andre really took us from the abyss.”
Looking Ahead: Can the Lakers Maintain Their Momentum?
With LeBron and Doncic thriving, the Lakers have positioned themselves as legitimate title contenders. But the true test will come in the postseason, where playoff results will ultimately determine whether this blockbuster trade was truly a championship-winning move.
For now, though, the Lakers are enjoying the ride—and so is LeBron James.
“I think we could be really good going down the stretch,” James said at the All-Star Game.
He’s proving himself right.
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