The first thing you notice watching this new version of the Los Angeles Lakers is how different they look the moment LeBron James and Luka Doncic start trading control of the offense. It feels like the team has quietly unlocked two identities at once, and opponents are stuck trying to guess which one they are about to face.
Lakers have the ability of switching between two styles of basketball
When Doncic runs things, the game settles into his rhythm. The floor shrinks and expands on his terms, defenders get pulled into his pace, and the offense runs a lot of pick-and-roll action.
Then the Lakers shift into LeBron’s world. Suddenly, there is movement in different directions, the ball is flying around, and LeBron is finding those who are cutting and attacking the rim. It is the same team, but it almost feels like switching to an entirely different channel.
Esfandiar Baraheni talked about this on The Athletic NBA Daily. He explained how the Lakers can let LeBron and Austin Reaves guide one lineup while Luka takes full command of another.
He even said there is a version of LeBron who plays off Luka and thrives as the finisher and short-roll connector, which also lets him anchor the defense more consistently. That idea already looks believable.
LeBron’s season debut, which happened to be the start of his twenty-third NBA season, carried that same energy. He did not need to force anything.
He just slid into the flow, posted 11 points and 12 assists in 30 minutes, and gave the Lakers exactly what they needed. Doncic handled the heavy scoring, dropping 37 points and 10 assists.
The big question coming into the night was whether LeBron’s return would disrupt players who had leveled up while he was out, especially Reaves. Instead, Reaves looked as comfortable as ever.
Twenty-six points on eleven shots and no signs of hesitation. He fit right in, whether the offense was running through Doncic or shifting into LeBron mode.
Jared Weiss summed up the situation well on The Athletic NBA Daily as well. He said the concern was how LeBron would fit into this new structure Doncic created. James has clearly seen a blueprint to remain incredibly effective, even if his role evolves.
That is really the story here. The Lakers are not just playing better. They are playing in layers. They can change their style without losing momentum. JJ Redick suddenly has the flexibility to steer the team in whichever direction gives them the edge.
Two ways to play. One roster that looks to be fully bought in. And a future that looks more unpredictable and more dangerous than anything the Lakers have had in years.
