The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2024–25 Season: A Year of Transition, Turmoil, and Transformation

Getty Images

The 2024–25 NBA season was a dramatic pivot point for the Los Angeles Lakers, defined by a high-profile trade that brought superstar Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks and the departure of franchise cornerstone Anthony Davis. Despite sky-high expectations, the team exited in the first round of the playoffs, raising questions about fit, coaching, and future direction. While Dončić delivered moments of brilliance, the team ultimately fell short, undone by injuries, chemistry issues, and roster imbalances. Dončić’s transition to Los Angeles was a seismic event in the NBA. A five-time first-team All-NBA guard at only 26, he was expected to be the heir apparent to LeBron James. The Lakers' front office, led by Rob Pelinka, emphasized Dončić as the franchise’s future centerpiece. However, Dončić arrived midseason nursing a strained calf and entered an unstable team ecosystem still adjusting to first-year head coach JJ Redick and a revamped roster.

One of the season's pivotal moments was the failed trade for center Mark Williams. After acquiring Dončić, the Lakers sought to pair him with a vertical lob threat but rescinded the deal when Williams failed his physical. The team settled for signing veteran Alex Len, who rarely played, leaving the Lakers exposed in the paint throughout the playoffs (Andrews, 2025). Their frontcourt was outmatched by Minnesota, particularly by Rudy Gobert, who grabbed 24 rebounds in the decisive Game 5. JJ Redick’s coaching decisions came under scrutiny during the series. Most notably, he played his starting five the entire second half of Game 4—a move never previously recorded in playoff history since substitution data began being tracked in 1997. The strategy failed, raising concerns about Redick’s inexperience and adaptability under postseason pressure. Despite setbacks, the Lakers showed glimpses of promise, including an eight-game win streak in February and a few signature victories over contenders. Still, chemistry issues persisted. A source close to Dončić noted that, unlike his Dallas tenure where the team was built around him, he and the Lakers “inherited” each other midseason. This lack of cohesion was evident in critical late-game collapses, including a blown 16-point fourth-quarter lead against the Bulls capped by a 47-foot game-winner from Josh Giddey.

LeBron James, now 40, played a steadying role but indicated uncertainty about his future. When asked post-Game 5 about how much longer he intends to play, James responded, “I don’t know... I don’t have the answer to that”. He also refrained from pressuring Dončić to stay long-term, acknowledging that their career arcs are on different timelines. Looking ahead, the Lakers can offer Dončić a four-year, $229 million extension on August 2, but sources close to him say he will take his time deciding. He plans to play for Slovenia in EuroBasket, focusing on recovery and conditioning. Head coach Redick emphasized the need for the team to enter “championship shape” this offseason, suggesting a rigorous summer both physically and strategically. Though the 2024–25 season ended prematurely, the Lakers view this year as a foundation. As Pelinka stated, the vision is to build around Dončić for the next decade, learning from the chaos and missed opportunities that defined this transitional season.