Luka Doncic and the Lakers: A New Beginning in Pursuit of the Championship
El Segundo, California – Luka Doncic, visibly thinner, attributes his physical transformation to a “new beginning” this summer. After signing a three-year, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic expressed his determination to pursue what many franchise legends have achieved: winning championships.The extension includes an option for the player in the final year, ensuring Doncic, 26, stays in Los Angeles until at least 2028. His first half-season with the Lakers, after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks in February, culminated in an elimination in the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the team’s changes since that defeat were evident. Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, both recruited by Doncic after being acquired from Portland and Washington, respectively, were present at the training facilities. Adou Thiero, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and Maxi Kleber also attended. The group posed for a photograph with Doncic in the center, holding his golden number 77 uniform, along with Lakers coach JJ Redick, and president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka. The absence of LeBron James, the other Lakers superstar, was notable. James shared videos on his Instagram account on Saturday morning, enjoying his offseason hobby, while the Lakers’ training camp is still almost two months away. James’ decision at the end of June to exercise the option on his final year of contract with Los Angeles for $52.6 million preceded Doncic’s extension, and since then there has been some uncertainty surrounding James. James’ agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said at the time: “We understand the difficulty of winning now as we prepare for the future. We want to assess what is best for LeBron at this stage of his life and career.” Paul informed Pelinka and Doncic’s manager, Lara Beth Seager, about the content of the statement before issuing it. In statements to reporters on Saturday for the first time since James’ decision, Pelinka presented a continued functional partnership between the franchise and the 2020 Finals MVP.“We have what it takes to compete for the championship. I will try to win every game no matter what, and we have great new players on the team, so you know, let’s go for it.”
Luka Doncic
Pelinka was also asked if he believes James, who only has a contract until 2025-26 for his 23rd season, will end his career in Los Angeles.“All the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his team, particularly with Rich, have been positive and supportive. The dialogue with [Paul] has been open and constant”.
Rob Pelinka
“I think the most important thing we have to do is respect his and his family’s decision regarding how long he’s going to play. We want to respect his ability to set his schedule. I think that’s really important. But, if he had the opportunity to retire as a Laker, that would be great”.
Rob Pelinka
While Saturday’s event served as the unofficial start of the upcoming season, it also had far-reaching implications for a Lakers team at a unique moment in their franchise’s history, as it awaits the finalization of the $10 billion sale from the Buss family to Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter. From Doncic’s favorite Balkan music blasting from the training facility speakers to a pop-up photo gallery installation with career snapshots greeting press conference attendees as they entered the gym, the Lakers made it clear that the team’s current and future priority is their $165 million star.“We like the improvements we were able to make to the roster. But we are by no means going to be satisfied. I think every year we are in an infinite cycle to try to improve this team and win championships, and we will remain committed to that work.”
Rob Pelinka
“Six months ago, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Luka Doncic through a trade where he came to our franchise. Today, Luka Doncic chose the Los Angeles Lakers, and that is a monumental moment in Lakers history. And we couldn’t be more grateful for choosing this partnership. The best young basketball player in the universe joins for the long-term future, the best sports franchise in the world”.
Rob Pelinka
