Luka Doncic Carries Lakers As Trade Deadline Looms

Merlin sees the Lakers sputter again against a weak Kings team, a familiar script: Luka Dončić poured in 26 first-half points and is leading the league at 33 points per game, with LeBron offering support, but otherwise the offense went quiet. Fans lamented the "lack of a supporting cast," and the shortfall makes clear that even Luka’s historic season may not be enough to push Los Angeles deep into the playoffs. Merlin notes the trade deadline is the plot point coming next. The Lakers are not in full panic, but adding a shooter, wing defender, or secondary playmaker would ease pressure on Dončić and LeBron and change matchups. If management acts wisely, late-season nerves can turn into genuine title contention; if they wait, the same story will likely repeat.