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LeBron James was playing at an All-NBA level even before the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, but he has elevated his play even further since adding another superstar who takes on a larger role in the offense and allows him to pace himself and play off-ball as a cutter more frequently.

“They didn’t just trade for Luka,” the league exec said. “They also traded for a more engaged LeBron.”

James has also played more consistently on defense. The Lakers are the NBA’s No. 1 defense since Jan. 15, which is a considerable turnaround compared to the first 30 games when they ranked 21st.

“They have the personnel of a middle-of-the-pack defensive team but are in second place,” said one league executive. “Their scheme isn’t revolutionary, but it’s getting the job done.”

“Over the years we’ve seen a lot of teams play this way in the playoffs, they’re playing with the strategy in the regular season,” said one veteran coach whose team recently played the Lakers. “They do it by playing with great energy and with great game-plan discipline. If you’re asking me if this is sustainable, yes, I believe it is.”

The Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season by the Denver Nuggets after losing to them in the Western Conference Finals in 2023. Now, they’re in the mix of contenders in the west right behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“I think they’re a championship-level team,” said a Western Conference executive. “They’re in that upper echelon.”