Lakers 2024-25 Player Grades: Luka Doncic
Season In Review For Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic’s 2024-2025 NBA season was a remarkable display of talent amidst significant challenges. Beginning the season with the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic was blindsided by a blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2, 2025, in a deal that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas.
This trade, one of the most unexpected in NBA history, marked the first time two reigning All-NBA players were traded midseason.
Despite a calf injury that sidelined him for at least a month and the challenge of adapting to a new team, Doncic delivered elite performances, helping the Lakers secure a 50-win season and the third seed in the Western Conference.
Regular Season Performance with the Lakers
Doncic’s 2024-2025 season showcased his superstar caliber across the regular season and playoffs despite navigating a midseason trade and a calf injury.
With the Dallas Mavericks for the first 22 games, he averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, shooting 46.4% from the field, 35.4% from three, and 76.7% from the free-throw line.
After joining the Lakers on February 2, 2025, he played 28 games, posting 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, with shooting splits of 43.8% from the field, 37.9% from three, and 79.1% from the free-throw line. His overall season averages across both teams were 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists over 50 games.
The Lakers went 18-10 in games Doncic played, contributing to their 50-win season and third seed in the Western Conference. His presence elevated the team’s offense, though integrating with LeBron James presented challenges.
The calf injury sustained on December 25, 2024, sidelined him for 32 games, rendering him ineligible for postseason awards like MVP due to the NBA’s 65-game minimum rule.
In the 2025 playoffs, Doncic elevated his performance, averaging 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.8% from three, and 89.1% from the free-throw line. The Lakers’ lack of a starting-caliber center and thin bench contributed to their early exit.
Areas for Improvement
While Doncic’s offensive output was exceptional, his field goal percentage with the Lakers was slightly lower than with the Mavericks, possibly due to adjusting to a new offensive system alongside LeBron James. His free-throw shooting also lagged behind expectations for a player with his touch.
Defensively, Doncic has made strides but remains a target for improvement. His steal rate and block rate were solid. Still, consistent effort and positioning could elevate his impact in that regard. Additionally, his playoff assist numbers dropped to 5.8 per game, suggesting potential challenges in playmaking under postseason pressure or due to roster limitations.
Luka’s moving a CRAZY amount of weight this offseason… we might be witnessing the beginning of an MVP campaign 👀
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 10, 2025
Overall Grade: A-
Luka Doncic’s 2024-2025 season earns an “A-” grade. Despite a midseason trade and a significant injury, his ability to maintain elite production—28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists with the Lakers- is a testament to his superstar caliber.
His playoff performance, averaging 30.2 points, further highlights his ability to rise to the occasion.
The trade’s emotional toll and the team’s roster limitations also contextualize his performance. While his defensive consistency and free-throw shooting offer room for growth, Luka Doncic’s contributions were pivotal in securing a strong regular-season finish for the Lakers.
