For the first time since the Lakers trade, Luka Dončić appears to be a “killer”: “He’s back,” according to The Athletic

The NBA is a league that thrives on narratives. From the rise of superstars to the fall of dynasties, every season is filled with storylines that keep fans on the edge of their seats. However, some of the most captivating stories revolve around individual players and their transformations, both on and off the court.

Luka Dončić, once considered a once-in-a-generation talent, had a career trajectory that seemed to be on an unshakable path to greatness. A phenomenal playmaker, scorer, and leader, Dončić became the face of the Dallas Mavericks after being drafted in 2018. His combination of skill, vision, and basketball IQ made him an immediate force in the NBA. But after a blockbuster trade sent him from Dallas to the Los Angeles Lakers, questions arose about his ability to adapt to his new surroundings and role, as well as whether he could still retain the edge that made him one of the league’s brightest stars.

Fast forward to the 2025 NBA season, and something has changed. Luka Dončić, for the first time since the trade, appears to have rediscovered the “killer” mentality that defined his early years in the league. According to a recent article in The Athletic, Luka Dončić has “returned to form,” and is once again playing like the dominant, unstoppable force that NBA fans grew to love. The article goes on to describe how the trade to the Lakers might have been the catalyst for this resurgence, as Dončić seems to have found new purpose, confidence, and hunger in his new environment. The player who once seemed to carry the weight of the Mavericks on his shoulders now plays with a fire that has his teammates and fans alike buzzing.

So, what has changed for Luka Dončić? Why does he appear to be the “killer” once again, and how has the trade to the Lakers helped him rediscover his edge?

The Trade That Shook the League

The trade that sent Luka Dončić from Dallas to the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2024 sent shockwaves through the NBA. The Lakers, despite their own struggles, had made a bold move to bring in one of the brightest young stars in the league. The Mavericks, facing an uncertain future with Luka, made the decision to rebuild and shift their focus elsewhere. At the time of the trade, the deal seemed like a win-win—Luka joined a Lakers team already built around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while the Mavericks hoped the trade would bring them the assets they needed to start fresh.

While the Lakers immediately gained a superstar, many questioned how Luka would fit into their already established system. LeBron James, the team’s veteran leader, had already played with high-profile stars, but Luka represented a different kind of challenge. Known for his ball-dominant style and natural playmaking ability, Luka had been the focal point of the Mavericks’ offense. Would he be able to coexist with LeBron, a player whose legacy as the king of the NBA was built on his ability to control games and make decisions? Would Luka’s game change to accommodate LeBron, or would he continue to carve his own path?

Early in the season, the adjustment period was palpable. Luka’s production was solid, but there were moments when he seemed to defer too much, trying to fit into a team system that didn’t entirely play to his strengths. In the eyes of critics, this lack of aggression and occasional passivity was seen as a sign that Luka hadn’t fully embraced the “killer” mentality that had made him such a force in his first few seasons. The spark that had once burned so brightly seemed to be flickering.

Rediscovering the Killer Mentality

Then, something changed. Over the course of the 2025 season, Luka Dončić slowly began to shed the reservations that had limited him early on in Los Angeles. It wasn’t just his numbers—though those certainly improved—but it was a shift in his demeanor, his attitude, and his approach to every game. Luka started to look like the player who had torched defenses in the postseason with his fearless drives, audacious step-back threes, and no-look passes. He was once again playing with a swagger, a quiet confidence that made him nearly impossible to stop.

The turning point, according to The Athletic, came during a mid-season game against the Golden State Warriors, where Luka exploded for 40 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds. The Lakers had been trailing by as much as 15 points early, but Luka orchestrated a comeback for the ages, taking over the game in the second half. His ability to create his own shot, push the pace, and dominate in isolation situations was on full display. It wasn’t just the stat line—it was the mentality. Luka was not waiting for the game to come to him; he was dictating the flow of the game. He was aggressive, hunting mismatches, and playing with a sense of urgency that had been lacking earlier in the season.

In the post-game interview, LeBron James praised Luka’s transformation, calling him “a killer.” This was the LeBron who had played alongside some of the NBA’s all-time greats, from Dwyane Wade to Kyrie Irving, and he recognized the fire in Luka’s eyes that signaled the return of the player he had been during his early years in Dallas.

LeBron’s comments echoed what many had been saying in the locker room. Lakers head coach Darvin Ham noted that Luka’s resurgence was not just about scoring; it was about his mentality. “He’s starting to trust his instincts again,” Ham said. “When you have a guy like Luka who can dominate the game in so many ways, you just have to let him be Luka. And lately, he’s been playing with the hunger we saw when he first came into the league.”

The Chemistry with LeBron and AD

Much of Luka’s transformation can be attributed to the way he’s learned to mesh with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In the early stages of the season, the concern was how Luka’s style of play would fit alongside two other superstars, particularly LeBron, who has often dominated the ball. However, the Lakers have found a way to make it work. Instead of forcing Luka to adapt entirely to LeBron’s game, the Lakers have encouraged Luka to be himself—using his elite ball-handling and court vision to create offense for the team.

LeBron has played more off the ball, letting Luka run the offense while still being a primary scorer. This has freed up Luka to operate as he did in Dallas, without feeling the need to defer to anyone. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis has thrived in his role as the team’s defensive anchor and rim protector, allowing Luka to take more risks on offense, knowing that Davis will be there to clean up any mistakes.

The synergy between Luka and Davis has been particularly noticeable. Davis’s ability to finish around the basket and stretch the floor with his mid-range game gives Luka another weapon to work with. The pick-and-roll between the two has been nearly impossible to defend, with Luka’s vision and Davis’s versatility creating endless opportunities. When Luka needs a break or gets caught in a tough situation, Davis is often there to bail him out with an easy dunk or a defensive play.

As a result, Luka has been able to play his game while also elevating his teammates. His passing has become even more dangerous, as defenders have to worry about both his ability to score and his willingness to find the open man. This dual threat has made him more lethal than ever, and teams are struggling to find a way to stop him.

Luka’s Mental Evolution

Another key aspect of Luka’s return to form has been his mental evolution. While he was always known for his confidence, there were times in his career when his frustrations seemed to get the better of him. Whether it was with the Mavericks or in high-pressure playoff games, Luka’s emotions would sometimes spill over, affecting his play. He would sulk, argue with referees, or let mistakes get in the way of his performance.

However, in Los Angeles, Luka appears to have grown both emotionally and mentally. He is still the same fiery competitor, but he’s learned to channel that energy in more productive ways. He no longer lets bad calls or missed shots derail his focus. Instead, Luka has found a balance between being aggressive and staying calm under pressure. He’s become a more mature player, both in how he approaches the game and how he deals with adversity.

This mental fortitude was evident during a dramatic late-season game against the Phoenix Suns, where the Lakers were trailing by 10 with just under five minutes left. Luka took over the game, hitting three consecutive three-pointers, setting up a clutch alley-oop to Anthony Davis, and ultimately sealing the win with a game-winning layup. The poise with which he played was striking—Luka was in complete control, executing every possession with purpose and precision.

What’s Next for Luka Dončić?

With his resurgence, Luka Dončić has not only reminded everyone why he was considered one of the best players in the NBA but has also placed the Lakers squarely in the championship conversation. The team, already formidable with LeBron and Davis, now has a player in Luka who can carry them on both ends of the floor. His transformation has added a new dimension to the Lakers’ title hopes, making them a true contender in a stacked Western Conference.

As the season moves into its final stretch and the playoffs loom, all eyes will be on Luka Dončić. He’s regained his “killer” mentality, and with it, he has shown that the best version of Luka is still to come. While the road to a championship will be difficult, the Lakers now have a player in Luka who can take over

games, make his teammates better, and be the difference-maker in the postseason.

For Luka Dončić, the question is no longer about whether he can return to form—it’s about how far his newfound edge can take him. And if his recent performances are any indication, the sky’s the limit.