The Portland Trail Blazers are getting back on the court when they travel to Tinseltown to face off against Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers.

To learn more about the Lakers' current state of affairs, we spoke with Los Angeles Lakers On SI publisher Ryan Ward.

Luka Doncic is coming off of a great performance against the Utah Jazz. How important has he been to start the season?

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic reacts after a play against the Utah Jazz. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Lakers’ early success has been more of a team effort, in my opinion. Luka has been a big part of them being 3-0, especially coming off the 52-point eruption, but this team seems to be a well-oiled machine much faster than I anticipated, which is no easy task with nine new players.

Doncic’s turnovers have been concerning. He’s averaging 7.0 per game coming into Tuesday’s matchup against the Blazers.…