By Evan Massey

Copyright newsweek

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of the most shocking trades in NBA history last season, acquiring superstar Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. Unfortunately, that move did not lead to playoff success for the team.

Doncic and company were able to get into to the postseason, but were quickly eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Heading into the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, the Lakers are facing more pressure to win. Doncic has had an entire offseason to get accustomed to Los Angeles and the team went out and brought in more talent. Both Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart were added to the roster, as was talented young wing Jake LaRavia.

Read more: Lakers’ LeBron James Receives Shocking Future Prediction From ESPN

While those moves were quality additions, the Lakers are going to go as far as Doncic and LeBron James can take them.

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on March 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Many believe that Doncic can lead Los Angeles to an NBA Finals win. He has become one of the top stars in the game. However, there are still some who doubt his ability to do so.

One of those doubters is none other than NBA legend Scottie Pippen.

During an interview with Jorge Quiroga of Marca, Pippen shared his opinion about Doncic. His opinion is not going to be a popular one among Lakers fans.

“I don’t know,” Pippen said. “His style of play got him to the Finals. But I’m not sure if that style will get him there again. It was a unique feat, but when they got to the Finals, they didn’t have much.”

In the 28 games he played following the trade to Los Angeles, Doncic averaged 28.2 points per game to go along with 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals. He also shot 43.8 percent from the floor and 37.9 percent from three-point range.

Read more: Warriors’ Possible Jonathan Kuminga Trade Options Receive New Update

Truthfully, no team should be relying on one player to lead them to a championship. If the Lakers want to win a title with Doncic leading the way, they’ll need to surround him with the right players.

Perhaps Los Angeles will not win a title with Doncic being their primary superstar. He may not end up being able to make that happen. But, he has the talent and ability to be a franchise cornerstone and to bring an NBA Finals appearance and win to the Lakers if he has enough help.

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