According to LeBron James, the Lakers rely on Luka Dončić to perform optimally.

LeBron James is embracing Luka Dončić as the primary ball handler for the Lakers.

When Luka Dončić was traded to Los Angeles, some questioned how LeBron James and the former Dallas guard would work together.

Would both men being mostly on-ball players result in a duplicate of talents that neutralizes itself?

Realistically, the notion that Luka and LeBron couldn’t work was always absurd. LeBron has been less and less on-ball over the years, and the only reason he still controls the Lakers offense so well is that there aren’t many reliable choices.

With Luka now a Laker, LeBron has surrendered most of that duty, which he appears to enjoy doing. Both athletes had instant synergy and experienced no growing pains.

After their most recent victory over the Pelicans, in which LeBron scored 34 points and Luka added 30 points and 15 assists, a feat only three other Lakers have achieved in franchise history, James highlighted why on-ball Luka is critical to the team’s success.

“In order for us to be the team ultimately we need to be, the ball needs to be on Luka’s hands,” James pointed out. “Then, when Luka sits down, the ball may be in my hands or [Austin Reave’s] hands when he returns.

“But I’m extremely comfortable playing off the ball and finding my spots, running the floor, receiving outlet passes from Luka, being on the backside of the defense if he’s being blitzed or switched in pick and rolls, and attracting so many eyes and bodies. I’ve been really fortunate to be able to adapt to any team I’ve been on during my career and to adjust. And there is another situation, which I am looking forward to.”

"The fit's not great." @sam_amick expresses his thoughts on the Luka/LeBron pairing and what it may mean for the future of LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/vgnErENyzY

— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 3, 2025

At 40, any duty that can be lifted off LeBron’s shoulders is good, especially if the team benefits from it. Luka is unquestionably the greatest passer on the team, and he can help LeBron, Austin Reaves, and anybody else on the field get better looks.

Jaxson Hayes is having tremendous games, and role players like Dorian Finney-Smith are saying he’s “butt-naked wide-open” as a result of Luka’s influence.

With LeBron adding no friction to this reality, coach JJ Redick can focus on maximizing this squad without worrying about stomping on any egos.