"League is in trouble": Lakers fans anticipate massive adjustment from LeBron James to make Luka Doncic pairing work  

LeBron James and Luka Doncic will get another chance to prove their tandem can work for the Lakers during the 2025-26 season. They had a solid regular-season run after February, with James making key adjustments on both ends. He was receptive to playing off the ball on offense and aggressively on defense, ensuring LA's roster holes after the Doncic addition didn't hold the team back.

However, the Lakers got outplayed by the bigger and more athletic Minnesota Timberwolves team in the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers have addressed their roster deficiencies by acquiring Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia.

However, it hasn't changed James' mindset. On Thursday, the 40-year-old practiced catch-and-shoot 3-pointers in a session with trainer Chris Johnson.

"CATCH & SHOOT @kingjames Locked In 🔒 Year 23 Loading... ⏳👑, " Johnson wrote. "Hand preparation ✋🏽 Different variations of ball placement 🏀 Relocation footwork 👟Getting that cardio in 💪🏾 When you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready 📈"

James improving his catch-and-shoot and relocation game would complement Luka Doncic's playing style. The Slovenian is more comfortable on the ball than off of it. It's what maximizes his ability on the court. He's in his prime and arguably a better playmaker than James, who turns 41 in December.

Lakers fans believe this adjustment from James will have a major impact on the team:

LakeShowYo

@LakeShowYo

LeBron working on his 3 point shooting 🔥 League is in trouble

Fedecruct

@fedecruct

@LakeShowYo Gonna have a better 3P% than Steph again 😭

Hezii

@playoffhezii

@LakeShowYo just ring us already

Listo

@Listogetsit

@LakeShowYo We going to need that

Lob Ties

@LobTies

@LakeShowYo LeBron was already rewiring his brain at the end of last season of how he has to play with Luka if he’s going to remain a Laker for the next 3 seasons. LeBron was probably thinking , damn. I need to work on my 3s. Be a target for Luka. Not clog the paint. Etc. This is proof.

NeDSep1➡

@seviour_nick

@LakeShowYo That's what the lakers need a great shooting year for lebron

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LeBron James enters an unusual situation with Lakers in 2025-26 season

LeBron James will be on an expiring contract for the first time. The Lakers superstar has also never played second fiddle to anyone on his team. LA has seemingly pivoted to a new franchise pillar, Luka Doncic, this offseason. Doncic has been more involved in the roster decisions than James, putting James in a unique situation.

James has had control over his career decisions with every team and in every free agency, but things have changed in Hollywood as he potentially enters his final season in the NBA or with the Lakers.

It will be interesting to see how things unfold during the season. After significant trade rumors during the offseason, the noise around James will be prominent, especially until the trade deadline.