Not only is Luka Doncic one of the best scorers in the NBA, but he’s also one of the most savvy playmakers who can create scoring opportunities from angles most players wouldn’t even think of.
Naturally, with him currently sidelined due to injury, there are concerns about whether the Lakers’ offense would be able to hold itself.
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Interestingly, for analyst Chris Broussard, the Lakers’ offense actually runs better with LeBron James operating as the team’s primary ball handler.
Speaking on “First Things First,” Broussard highlighted how LeBron’s approach brings more players into the game, unlike Luka’s style, where he often controls the ball deep into the shot clock. James tends to initiate sets earlier, creating the rhythm early and putting teammates under less pressure.
“Obviously, he moves into the Luka role of handling the ball and running the offense. He might do that better than Luka. He doesn’t dominate and dribble as much as Luka so he moves the ball a little faster in my view,” Broussard said. “The thing is, Luka can’t go do what LeBron did a month ago and say, ‘Alright, I’m gonna be off the ball.’ Luka just has to have the ball in his hands.”
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The Lakers’ offense looked more cohesive
That difference, for one, was evident against the Dallas Mavericks. Even though the Lakers trailed by as many as 22 points in the first half, they managed to fight back due to LeBron’s all-around impact. He scored 30 points, but more importantly, every starter finished in double digits.
Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura combined for 44 points on a combined 17-of-23 shooting from the field, showing how LeBron’s playmaking created open looks for Rui on the wing as well as allowed Ayton to score at the rim whenever he found a mismatch.
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The same pattern showed up against the Golden State Warriors, where LBJ didn’t just score 26 points but maximized the presence of Deandre Ayton under the rim, helping him score 21 points (his first 20-point game after March 12th).
Similarly, against the Phoenix Suns, LeBron dished out 12 of the team’s 27 assists, ensuring the offense stayed fluid and unpredictable throughout. More notably, in each of these three games, James didn’t hog the ball but even allowed Luke Kennard the leverage to dish out a combined 22 assists in those three games combined.
Still, Broussard doesn’t think the Lakers can go far
Broussard’s argument is simple – with LeBron orchestrating, the Lakers’ offense looks more synchronized. Players are in better positions, the ball moves more quickly, and possessions don’t feel rushed late in the clock. In contrast, Luka’s style, while brilliant, can sometimes lead to stagnant possessions and rushed decisions at the end of the play.
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Despite the optimism, Broussard made it clear that the Lakers do not stand a chance against the Minnesota Timberwolves or Houston Rockets without Luka, simply because of the gap in talent.
“If they play Minnesota… It’s starting to look like he’s (Anthony Edwards) not gonna be himself. So, if he’s not himself and they face Minnesota, I’ll certainly give the Lakers a shot,” Broussard added. “More likely they’ll face Houston. I’ll pick Houston. They have such a talent advantage and they’ve got a very good coach in Udoka. Shame on them if they were to lose to the Lakers with Luka and Reaves.”
If Luka does return in time, though, there could be a smart adjustment. Instead of immediately taking back full control, he could ease in – playing more off the ball, focusing on scoring 25 to 28 points, and letting LeBron handle the primary ball-handling duties. That kind of balance could help the Lakers maximize both stars, at least until Luka is fully back to peak health. Much in the same way Jayson Tatum operates around Jaylen Brown for the Celtics now.
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This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Apr 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.