The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone a seismic shift in leadership following their blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic, and NBA legend Dominique Wilkins isn’t sugarcoating the reality of the situation. In a recent interview, Wilkins made it clear that the Lakers are now Doncic’s team, signaling a transition away from LeBron James as the franchise’s centerpiece.
Speaking with Kyle Odegard of Esports Insider, Wilkins didn’t mince words when discussing the Lakers’ new hierarchy.
“It’s definitely Luka’s team,” Wilkins stated. “A 25-year-old guy compared to a guy who is 40. You should be willing to hand over those ranks to him. I don’t think that’s even a question. I think that’s what the plan is.”
Wilkins’ comments reflect a growing sentiment around the league—while James remains an elite player, his role is evolving. The Lakers’ acquisition of Doncic was a franchise-altering move, positioning the 26-year-old superstar as the long-term leader of the team.
The trade that sent Doncic to Los Angeles stunned the basketball world. Wilkins admitted he was caught off guard by the deal, saying,
“Like everybody across the world, I was shocked. Luka, 25 years old and one of the top five or six players in the league. You trade a player like that? That’s a tough one to digest.”
Despite the initial surprise, Wilkins believes the Lakers are now set up for contention for the next decade, with Doncic leading the charge.
For the first time in his career, James finds himself in a secondary role, similar to how Dwyane Wade adjusted when James joined the Miami Heat in 2010. With Doncic running the offense, James will need to adapt his game, focusing on efficiency and leadership rather than being the primary scorer.
James’ numbers already saw a slight dip last season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. With Doncic now controlling the offense, that trend is expected to continue.
The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, now faces the challenge of building a roster that complements Doncic while maximizing James’ contributions. The team’s offseason moves will be crucial in determining how well this new dynamic works.
