According to Coop, LBJ finally has a young and reliable co-partner in Doncic who can shoulder the offensive load, allowing King James to stay fresh and at his peak when it matters most at the business end of the campaign. Thus, Cooper believes that the Purple and Gold have a much more realistic chance of contesting for the title than most realize.

The Los Angeles Lakers looked to keep things rolling as they began a five-game road trip against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. The Lakers were going for their sixth straight win but again had to do so shorthanded with LeBron James,