The Lakers have reached the midpoint of the season with a 25-16 record – solid, but one that still leaves room for reflection. The first half of the year has shown two very different faces: a team capable of dominating, and a group still searching for continuity. Luka Doncic, who arrived in Los Angeles with superstar status, is fully aware of that.

The 110-93 win over Toronto, in which the former Mavs star finished with 25 points and 7 assists, closed the first act of the season on a positive note. It was a controlled, mature performance, one in which the Lakers showed what they can be when the ball moves and the defense is locked in. Doncic didn’t hide the fact that the record “isn’t bad,” but the message is clear: the ceiling is higher.

It’s not a bad record. Obviously, it could be better.

Luka Doncic

The main issue so far has been inconsistency. A 5-5 record in the last ten games tells the story of a team struggling to build momentum. Too often, everything runs through Doncic (who is playing at an MVP level) and LeBron James, with the risk of making the offense predictable.

Against the Raptors, however, a different response arrived: Deandre Ayton starring in a standout night with a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double, a productive bench, and energy across the board.

We’re paid to do this. There shouldn’t be any excuses. I know there will be a lot of travel, but we’re paid to do it. I like it.

Luka Doncic

Now comes the most delicate stretch. Eight road games in 15 days, right before the All-Star break, represent a severe test for anyone. Dončić isn’t looking for excuses: traveling is part of the job, and the mindset is the right one.

JJ Redick also emphasized how difficult this period is across the NBA, with injuries and forced rotations affecting many teams.

This is a really tough time of the year for everyone in the NBA. There are a lot of teams that have rotation players, starters, or even All-Stars – like us – out of the lineup or in and out. That can make an already difficult stretch even harder, and the guys have done a great job pushing through and competing.

JJ Redick

The road trip will start in Denver, against ever-competitive Nuggets. For the Lakers, it’s the perfect opportunity to find out who they really are: a team still searching for balance, or a group ready to take a real leap forward in the second half of the season. As often happens, the answer will come from the court.