Are the Lakers for Real? Luka Doncic Powers Fast Start

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Lakers’ Strong Start Faces a Tougher Test Ahead

The Lakers’ offense is creating difficult defensive decisions through wing ball screens involving Luka Dončić and Walker Kessler. Kessler puts significant downhill pressure on opponents by diving toward the basket, while Dončić can attack with his effective mid-range pull-up and floater game.

If the defense hard hedges against Dončić, Kessler becomes a lob threat at the rim. If another defender rotates to cover Kessler’s roll, the Lakers can lift a player out of the corner for an open three-point opportunity.

The primary concern is the heavy usage rate. Still, the Lakers are playing well and have built a strong record, including a good road win against Detroit. They have not faced much top competition yet, but their schedule becomes loaded from late November through the end of the year.

That difficult stretch should reveal more about the Lakers. For now, they need to bank as many wins as possible before trying to keep their heads above water against the tougher schedule.