LeBron James states the obvious as the Lakers' offense struggles without Luka Doncic

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LeBron James states the obvious as the Lakers' offense struggles without Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers are down 1-0 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. Head coach JJ Redick's Lakers squad managed only 90 points compared to the defending champions' 108.

While the Lakers made it competitive at times, they were utterly outclassed, especially because their offense has its limits. LeBron James has addressed the elephant in the room: Luka Doncic's absence due to injury.

LeBron James knows Luka Doncic's absence is the Lakers' big problem​

The Lakers managed to beat the Rockets on the back of a LeBron masterclass. At 41, most people would think an athlete would fall off, but King James is like most athletes who struggle against Father Time.

It seems LeBron is playing around against Father Time, which is why he keeps succeeding even if he is older. Despite their success, LeBron does know he has limits now, which could be solved by playing alongside Doncic.

MORE: Why Luka Doncic continues to sit on the sidelines for the Lakers

Throughout the 2025-26 season, it became clear that the Lakers are Doncic's team. LeBron has accepted that, which is why he was willing to go with Redick's Doncic-focused system.

Since Doncic is still out injured, it is up to James and Austin Reaves to step up. However, the four-time MVP and Finals MVP knows Doncic is sorely missed.

"The offensive issues coming from? We have a guy who averaged 37 a game. There are issues right there. We're playing against the #1 best defensive team in the NBA, and when you play against a great defense, you need to have guys that can attract multiple defenders," James said about Doncic being a sorely missed presence.

Moving forward, LeBron and the rest of the Lakers organization would prefer having Doncic around because they are severely lacking firepower against the defending champions.

More NBA news:​

• A potential timeline for Luka Doncic's return to the Lakers roster
• How Austin Reaves' contract could raise a dilemma for the Lakers
• NBA referee James Williams has fans concerned about his officiating history
• LeBron James and the Lakers' odds of winning are at a historical low against the Thunder
• LeBron James reveals the secret behind the Lakers' mindset in Game 6 win against Houston

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