EL SEGUNDO — In the immediate aftermath of the Lakers’ 2024-25 season ending with a five-game loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, part of the messaging from the franchise’s leaders was a feeling of not having enough time after trading for Luka Doncic to maximize the potential of last year’s team.

Particularly when it came to building the requisite chemistry with their star trio of Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

It’s part of why there was universal optimism among the Lakers on Monday about this team’s ability to compete for a championship this season.

“The eagerness levels are very high,” Reaves said during the annual preseason media day festivities at the team’s practice facility. “I felt like we had good synergy with the three of us last year

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