Luka Doncic sends message after Lakers season ends vs Thunder

There was a slight chance that Doncic could have played in the second round, but he never truly progressed in his rehab. Instead, he was watching from the bench as L.A. could only muster four wins in the playoffs without their superstar.

When Doncic was on the court this season, he was among the favorites for MVP. In the season, Doncic averaged 33.5 points per game (leading the league in scoring), 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 64 games of action.

Prior to his injury, the Lakers were set to clinch the No. 3 seed in the West for the second consecutive season. However, they slipped to fourth, which had them on the same side as the Thunder in the bracket.

Now, the focus shifts to the offseason and how the Lakers plan to build the best roster possible around Doncic. It’s one of the biggest questions facing the franchise, and something they’ll have to get right heading into next season.

If the Lakers want to position themselves as legitimate title contenders, they’ll need to do everything possible this offseason to put the right pieces around Doncic.

However, it will also be on Doncic to remain healthy for the entire season and then some.

More NBA news:

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• LeBron James future will immediately shift into focus if Thunder sweep Lakers