Trading for Luka Doncic has turned the Los Angeles Lakers into legitimate contenders. But the team's turnaround seemed to truly start when its other superstar's favorite college program won it all.

After the Lakers made the Luka Doncic trade, their defense was widely expected to crater. Anthony Davis was named a First Team All-Defensive player last season and had been the linchpin of the Lakers defense ever since arriving to town. Max Christie was one of the team's best wing defenders. And Doncic has a reputation as a poor defender.

LeBron James continues to add more to his incredible basketball resume. On Thursday night, the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player put on a show that defied “Father Time” again, as James torched the Minnesota Timberwolves for 33 points in a 111-102 win at Crypto.com Arena.