The 2024-25 NBA season has been nothing short of dramatic. From Jimmy Butler’s turbulent exit from Miami to LiAngelo Ball landing a record contract after dropping a viral hit, the league has delivered nonstop headlines. But nothing has rocked the basketball world quite like Luka Dončić’s blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.
What first appeared to be a lingering calf injury on Christmas Day turned into one of the biggest trades in NBA history. The Dallas Mavericks stunned fans by sending their franchise star to L.A., where he teamed up with LeBron James in a move that reshaped the title race.
Not everyone is convinced it’s good for the league, but ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins has no doubts. He claims the Lakers have “saved the NBA.”
“Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers are saving the NBA. How excited were you guys a month ago before the Luka Doncic trade? We could get Boston versus the Lakers with the superstar power,” Perkins said.
“Then you take a deeper dive – who’s going to stop them from meeting up in the Finals?,” he added. “All the fans around the world probably were in and out coming down to what’s going to happen in June. Now they’re committed, they’re all in.”
"Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers are saving the NBA." 😯 @KendrickPerkins is excited about the potential matchups in the NBA playoffs this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/SuUOvPXXdP
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 5, 2025
According to Perkins, the showtime is back in L.A., and everything is shifting back toward the NBA.
Are the Lakers Really Saving the NBA?
THIS IS THE OFFENSE THAT JJ DREAMS ABOUT 😭 pic.twitter.com/w0Z85lacCM
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 5, 2025
There’s no denying the Lakers’ resurgence since acquiring Luka Dončić. They’ve won seven straight, eight of their last 10, and now sit at No. 2 in the Western Conference with a 39-21 record. On Tuesday, Dončić dropped a dominant performance in a 136-115 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, solidifying their title aspirations.
But does that mean they saved the NBA? That’s where Kendrick Perkins’ take starts to unravel. While the Lakers’ rise is a major storyline, it’s far from the only one, per FanSided.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder have surged to 50 wins faster than any other teams in their conferences. Butler’s arrival in Golden State has reignited the Warriors, fueling an 8-1 run.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ failed “Big Three” experiment has kept analysts debating whether they were ever true contenders. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns’ impact on the Knicks has given New York a renewed sense of hope.
Yes, the Lakers are rolling. But saving the NBA? That’s a stretch.
READ: ESPN analyst breaks down Lakers’ starring Luka Dončić as QB, LeBron James as WR
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
