"They'll Be a Play-In Team Once Again": Ex-NBA Champion Delivers Damning Luka Doncic and Lakers Reality Check Pinpointing Identity Crisis

One-time NBA champion Paul Pierce shared his thoughts on Luka Doncic and the LA Lakers' postseason situation this year. Looking at the Lakers' current lineup, they do seem like a scary team when healthy. They have the addition of Deandre Ayton, the top pick of the 2018 draft, who is now playing alongside the trio of Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

While the potential of a healthy core looks threatening on paper, Pierce believes that the Lakers will have an identity crisis once all the stars get on the floor together for the first time. Because of those sentiments, he believes that LA will be competing for a playoff spot in the Play-In tournament again.

"They'll be a Play-In team once again," Pierce said. "There's going to be chemistry issues, that's why. Because they're going to have to play one way without (LeBron James) and one way with him. They're going to be confused when the playoffs start. They're not going to have an identity when the playoffs come. We're not going to know who they are."

Luka

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Lakers coach provides update on Luka Doncic's injury

Luka Doncic has missed three games as of the time of this writing. This was due to the two injuries he sustained after his game against the Minnesota Timberwolves last Friday. Doncic sprained his left finger and acquired a left leg contusion. His injury is untimely, especially after the explosive performances he gave in the first two games of the season.

Luka Doncic erupted for a combined 92 points against the Golden State Warriors and the Timberwolves. In their opening game against the Warriors, Luka added 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. As for their game against the Timberwolves, the Slovenian star put up 49 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Losing him in the lineup was a huge blow to the Lakers, especially since LeBron James is yet to suit up for the team. While Austin Reaves held his own, carrying LA to victory against the Sacramento Kings last Sunday, scoring a career-high 51 points, the absence of Doncic and James was felt against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday.

With Lakers fans getting worried about Luka Doncic's return, coach JJ Redick provided an update regarding his injury status.

According to sources, Redick said that Doncic will be back within the next two games. Looking at the calendar, he could be back in time for their NBA Cup game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. However, if things don't go accordingly, Doncic may return by Sunday to face the Miami Heat.