Doncic Leads Lakers' Charge in Playoffs

Slovenian star can prove his worth as NBA post-season begins after chaotic changes

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NEW YORK - The National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs tip off on April 19 (April 20, Singapore time) after a dramatic 2024-25 season of twists and turns, with shock firings, a record team sale and the Luka Doncic trade heard around the world.

Doncic will be eager to show his worth in the post-season with the Los Angeles Lakers after the 26-year-old was unceremoniously shipped away by the Dallas Mavericks, where the perennial Most Valuable Player (MVP) was the face of the franchise and led them to the 2024 Finals.

The Slovenian guard and 21-time All-Star LeBron James have since formed a dynamic duo at the No. 3 seed Lakers, who face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the best-of-seven first round.

They will be supported by Japan national team star Rui Hachimura, who will head into the playoffs for the fourth time in his career as an integral member of the Lakers with championship ambitions.

Los Angeles advanced to the past two playoffs via the play-in tournament but will go into the 2025 first round with home-court advantage after finishing a roller-coaster regular season third in the Western Conference.