Luka Dončić Says Teams Play Harder Against the Lakers. Plus LeBron Nears 50,000 Points

"Lakers Exceptionalism." 

It's a term that'll start a lot of debates among Lakers fans and NBA heads. At its worst, "Lakers Exceptionalism" was an expression not just of the franchise's elevated place in our collective sports consciousness (which it has), or a reminder of the team's historic levels of success (which it has). Instead, it reflected an attitude that the aforementioned success and elevated status imparted almost magic powers on the organization. That its very Laker-ness was enough to get free agents to sign here. That of course stars and key role players would take less (whether in money or opportunity) to join the Lakers because why on earth wouldn't they? It's a chance to be a Laker!

At its worst, this version of Lakers Exceptionalism stunted the team's progress. It made the Lakers lazy, and reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of what has made the franchise exceptional, historically. 

There are at least some signs that the team is recognizing some of these shortcomings and is adjusting. Or at the least, some reason to hope they get it more now than they did before. Time will tell. 

But it was interesting following Sunday's win over the Clippers to hear Luka Dončić speak about an aspect of Lakers Exceptionalism that is undoubtedly true. He noted how it really is true that the Lakers get every team's best effort, and noting that injured players always seem to return in time to play LA. (The healing powers of the Lakers on the schedule for opposing players has long been noted by Lakers fans.) 

This is a byproduct of something that sounds perhaps like fan service chest puffery, but is unquestionably true: It is a big effing deal to be a star player for the Lakers. Bigger than it is to be a star on any other team in the NBA. Bigger than the Knicks, the Warriors, the Celtics and certainly the Mavericks. The attention is greater, the judgment more unforgiving. The potential for glory is higher, but so is the penalty for failure. 

This is the role that Luka has been cast for the next decade or so, if the vision the Lakers have comes to fruition. It'll be interesting to see, certainly, how he reacts. Early indications are that he's built for it, and certainly having LeBron with him for a year or two will help. No matter how much the team "belongs" to Luka on the floor, as long as he's still playing LeBron will always suck up a considerable amount of oxygen around any team he's on. Even a Luka-led squad. 

But long term, Dončić will be judged in part at least on how much he adds positively to this notion of Lakers Exceptionalism. One good sign - if NBA fans around the league find Lakers fans even more insufferable in five years, Luka is probably off to a great start. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Luka gets an introduction to Lakers Exceptionalism. 

SEGMENT 2: Is Luka built for Los Angeles? 

SEGMENT 3: 50,000 points for LeBron, and other notable achievements. 

 

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