LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2026-27 season facing a new reality. For the first time in eight years, LeBron James was no longer leading the franchise, leaving a massive void in leadership, production and responsibility.
Fortunately for the Lakers, they have Luka Dončić.
Three games into the season, Dončić has made it clear that the Lakers are his team. Los Angeles is off to a 3-0 start and the Slovenian superstar is already showing why the organization believes he can lead the franchise into its next championship era.
The early success has not simply been about replacing James' production. It has been about establishing a new identity, building chemistry with his teammates and creating an offense in which everyone can thrive.
Dončić is doing all three.
The Lakers opened the season with a convincing 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors before defeating the Los Angeles Clippers and rallying past the Utah Jazz 132-123 on Sunday afternoon. Each game has offered another glimpse of what this team can become with Dončić controlling the offense.
In the season opener, Dončić finished with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. He welcomed the home crowd to a new era before backing up his words with a performance that showcased his scoring ability and extraordinary court vision.
“It's the start of something new. It's going to be a special season,” Dončić told Lakers fans before the opener.
The message was simple, but the responsibility behind it was significant. With James now in Philadelphia, Dončić is the face of one of basketball's most storied franchises. He understands the expectations and appears ready to embrace them.
“It's very much an honor to be the face of the franchise,” Dončić said.
So far, he has looked comfortable in that role.
One of the most encouraging developments has been Dončić's early chemistry with new center Walker Kessler.
The Lakers made a significant investment to bring Kessler to Los Angeles, hoping to give Dončić the type of rim-running, lob-catching center who can maximize his playmaking ability. Through the first three games, that investment looked worthwhile.
Kessler erupted for 26 points on a perfect 12-for-12 shooting in his Lakers debut, adding nine rebounds and two blocks. He followed that performance with another productive outing.
Dončić's ability to manipulate defenses, draw multiple defenders and deliver passes into tight windows has made life easier for the 7-foot-2 center. Whether through alley-oops, transition opportunities or quick passes around the basket, Kessler has benefited from playing alongside one of the league's premier playmakers.
Kessler recognized that advantage after his debut.
“Playing with the guys that we have on our team, I wish I could say it was really difficult, but they're just so good,” Kessler said. “Their court vision's insane. So they know my advantage is my height.”
Kessler was held to two points against Utah, showing that the early partnership will have its growing pains. Still, the first two games demonstrated how dangerous the combination can become once both players settle into their roles.
Dončić's leadership also creates opportunities for Austin Reaves, who enters the season with greater responsibility following James' departure.
Reaves has steadily developed into one of the Lakers' most reliable offensive players, and his early performances suggest he is ready for another leap. He scored 23 points in the opener before delivering 29 points against Utah, including a crucial three-pointer late in the fourth quarter.
The beauty of Reaves playing alongside Dončić is that he does not have to shoulder the entire offensive burden. He can attack closeouts, create his own shot and capitalize when defenses concentrate on stopping the Lakers' leading scorer.
Against Utah, Reaves helped erase an 18-point deficit by scoring 15 points in the second quarter. Dončić eventually took over down the stretch, finishing with 52 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds.
Both guards played essential roles in the comeback win.
Reaves believes the team's willingness to put winning ahead of individual accomplishments is an important part of its early success.
“That's the beautiful thing about our team is there's no egos; there's no anything, you just want to win basketball games,” Reaves said.
That mentality will be crucial as the season progresses. Dončić can dominate the ball and produce spectacular scoring numbers, but the Lakers will be more dangerous if Reaves and the rest of the roster continue to find their rhythm alongside him.
Three games are not enough to declare the Lakers championship favorites. Their comeback against Utah also exposed defensive issues that will need attention, particularly after allowing 47 points in the first quarter.
But the early returns are encouraging.
Dončić is delivering elite production, establishing himself as the team's leader and helping his teammates find advantageous positions. Kessler gives him a vertical threat the Lakers have desperately needed, while Reaves provides another creator capable of carrying the offense when the defense shifts its attention.
Through three games, the Lakers are seeing what that could look like: an offense built around Dončić's creativity, teammates thriving in their roles and a group beginning to believe in its potential.
The Luka era is officially underway, and Los Angeles could not have asked for a better start.