It’s been ages. But still, it’s hard to get the iconic Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis swap out of the thoughts. It seems to be a pivotal moment for the Lakers franchise. Or at least it could be. Doncic is a generational pillar and the next star that LA builds around. However, for him to stay and reinstate glory, the Lakers’ front office needs to act.

Popular rapper Ice Cube shared his story from the night Doncic was traded. Like most around the community, his initial thoughts were, “I didn’t believe it at first,”. But after some research of his own, the thought began to settle in. Luka Doncic is a Laker. That does solve the dilemma of what the organization would look like once LeBron James retires.

But as things stand, Ice Cube isn’t convinced the Lakers can match up well in the Western Conference. He knows changes need to be made, and it starts with one that’s been staring at the Purple and Gold since they parted ways with Anthony Davis.

“I still think they need a center. I still think they need somebody in the middle who can deal with, you know, uh, people like the Joker, but now they got to get more athletic, younger. You know, OKC came out the West, so they struggle with, uh, with the Timberwolves. So, younger, faster, stronger. think Luke is a cool piece, but still think we need a few more pieces before we can compete,” he said on Run It Back.

Like other fans, Ice Cube shares that sentiment. Against the Timberwolves, the lack of size and defense proved lethal against Anthony Edwards and Co. Furthermore, without a distinguished center, the Lakers’ rim protection has been a far cry from when they had Anthony Davis.

LeBron James takes inspiration from the Pacers

As is with anything LeBron James, there was no direct conversation. The Akron Hammer shared his thoughts on the NBA Finals matchup between the Thunder and the Pacers. What he found exclusively beneficial from the Pacers’ side is their relentlessness. They have set a culture of playing fast and without fear. And James thinks it’s their rotation that allows Rick Carlisle to execute his plans.

“They’re not allowing New York to take a breath… You know, Obi Toppin comes in, pace comes up. Like those guys are keeping that pace like, you know, and listen, they’re saying, “Listen, when you want to take a breath, you get at halftime and you get after the game, right? That’s the only time we’re going to allow you to take a breath.” and they’re just putting constant pressure on you, and that comes from that comes from buying in from day one,” he shared on Mind The Game.

Compared to the Lakers, Indiana has depth that consolidates their style of play. When Tyrese Haliburton rests, they have TJ McConnell, who plays with pace. Obi Toppin graces them with athleticism and tenacity. On the other hand, the Lakers were forced to run a short rotation during the postseason.

At one point, JJ Redick only played the starting lineup for the entirety of the second half. So the call for making roster changes is clear. Rob Pelinka has acknowledged the same too. The Lakers’ focus in the offseason could be to add an elite center and athletic wings who could lead their defensive intensity.

With cerebral stars in Luka Doncic and James, they can adapt to a changed environment. What they can’t do, though, is beat the competition by themselves. The West is stacked and is only going to improve next season. If the Lakers are caught playing catch-up every season, a title doesn’t seem to be in their path anytime soon.