With EuroBasket 2025 wrapped up and Lakers training camp nearing, fans are excited to see a sharper, fitter Luka Doncic back on court. The star guard trimmed down earlier this summer, improved his conditioning, and lit up the tournament by averaging 34.7 points per game. His speed, agility, and surprising defensive presence caught the attention of the Lakers organization.
Following that dominant run, reports indicate Los Angeles Lakers has moved away from delaying contention for a possible Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit. Instead, the front office is now focused on winning immediately, even if it means committing to long-term contracts for the right piece.
General manager Rob Pelinka addressed the shift to ESPN. “Luka’s play in EuroBasket made it clear to the entire basketball world that he’s on that incredibly short list of ‘best player on the planet’ candidates, if not at the top,” Pelinka said. “In terms of team building, we’ve talked about the importance of having optionality and when I use that word, it’s not to say in the future. I think optionality is also in the now. Having both Luka as arguably the best player on the planet and LeBron James, who is still in the mix of being one of the great players in our game, even at his age, continues to allow us to think carefully about the value of that optionality.”
Lakers Aiming to Capitalize on LeBron’s Window
LeBron James could be entering his final season in Los Angeles, and the franchise knows it cannot waste the opportunity.
Pelinka emphasized the urgency. “If there are smart ways to pour into our championship aspirations for next year, we will execute on those. And we see having those two players on our team next year [as] an important moment, and we’ll continue to try to do all we can to deliver this franchise its 18th championship.”
Doncic Fully Committed to Lakers Future
Luka Doncic has consistently highlighted his dream of delivering an NBA championship in Los Angeles.
A source close to him reiterated to ESPN: “He stresses every single day that his goal is to win a championship. He trusts the front office to do their part, and he trusts what they’re building.”
On August 2, Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension, which ended speculation about whether he would stay beyond his trade from Dallas in February. While some concerns existed initially, the expectation now is that Doncic will remain a Laker long-term.
The vision within the franchise is clear — build a resume for Doncic filled with MVP trophies and NBA titles while he leads alongside LeBron.
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