Story by
Doncic to James is hoops version of Stafford to Nacua, and it’s working
- Story by
- Doncic to James is hoops version of Stafford to Nacua, and it’s working
Lakers | 2.1
NEW YORK — The Lakers have flipped the script on a season-long weakness, turning it into a strength after several critiques from coach JJ Redick .
And it's helped them widen the margins within the game that Redick has been looking for.
Advertisement
With LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the way offensively, and an improved defense, the Lakers have gone from one of the league's worst transition teams to very good over the last month.
Jan 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James (23) stand on the court in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images David Richard-Imagn Images
In their first 32 games, the Lakers were outscored on fastbreak chances in 20 games.
And then their turnaround happened, nearly coinciding with the start of 2026.
The Lakers have either tied or outscored their opponents in fastbreak points in 13 of their previous 15 games since the Jan. 4 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies entering Sunday primetime matchup against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
They've outscored opponents by an average of 4.3 points in fastbreak scoring in those 15 games after being outscored by 3.3 points to start the season — a 7.6-point turnaround.
Advertisement
Their biggest improvement has come playing with pace more frequently, with Redick earlier in the season publicly wondering and questioning why his team had the tendency to play as slow as it did.
But now, they're one of the league's better teams in the open court.
They've averaged 18.1 fastbreak points per game over the last month, No. 8 across the league, a significant jump from the 12.8 fastbreak points (No. 26) they averaged beforehand.
Jan 2, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) walk to the bench during a time out in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
James is the biggest reason for this turnaround.
Despite his advanced age (41) and the wear and tear on his body after a record 23 NBA seasons, he's remained dominant in transition. James entered Sunday averaging 5.6 fastbreak points per game, the second-best mark in the league since making his season debut on Nov. 18, just behind Philadelphia 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey (5.7 points).
Advertisement
After grabbing defensive rebounds, Doncic will operate like a quarterback, looking down the court at his options with the hope of scoring easier scoring opportunities.
And it's been clear since last season that James is his favorite — and best — wide receiver.
"[James is] going to naturally create a lot of transition opportunities for you," Redick said. "Luka has done a fantastic job all season of looking for those throwaheads, those early seals that we get when our bigger wings, or when our bigs can test a perimeter shot and are able to get behind the defense."
The Lakers' increased usage of zone defense over the last couple of weeks has helped the team prevent buckets in transition.
Advertisement
Their 13.8 fastbreak points allowed in the previous 15 games entering Sunday ranked No. 9 after they started the season allowing 16.1 fastbreak points (No. 19).
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 13: Luka Doncic #77 and Head Coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers high five during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 13, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images
"We're doing a better job in general, of getting back, just on any change of possession," Redick said. "Since the Toronto game [on Jan. 18], we've played more zone than we have all season. It forces you to get back."
The improved transition play may not have had a direct positive impact on their record, with the Lakers going 8-7 in their previous 15 games entering Sunday. But it's been a welcomed turnaround for a team that's been looking to create a margin within the game while getting healthier.
