Lakers Get Extremely Positive Update About Luka Doncic's Future
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The Los Angeles Lakers are fully focused on Luka Doncic as the future of their franchise. LeBron James is still on the roster, but over the last couple of weeks it has become clear that the team has moved on from focusing on him to Doncic.
Unfortunately for James, that was always going to be the case the second Rob Pelinka pulled off the blockbuster trade to acquire Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.
While Doncic is the plan for the Lakers' future, they still need to sign him long-term.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Photo byDoncic has one more season and a player option on a second left on his deal. It seems likely that he will want to get a massive long-term deal done after the 2025-26 season or potentially even before it.
Read more: Report: Warriors Could Look to Sign Sleeper Free Agent Guard
Keeping that in mind, a new update has given Los Angeles a lot of reason for optimism regarding being able to keep Doncic in town for years to come.
As noted by ESPN insider Tim McMahon, Doncic's involvement in the Lakers' recent moves shows much more than just a will to win this season.
"And that is not Luka's natural state," McMahon said. "The first several years of his career he basically said, 'Hey, I play. The front office puts the team together. I don't want anything to do with it.' And he didn't grow up in the AAU culture where you're constantly recruiting guys."
He continued on, revealing more about what Doncic's actions in recruiting talent means for Los Angeles long-term.
"I believe he also had some contact with Deandre Ayton," McMahon continued, "and I actually think that's the most significant part of all this because it does show that he's not only on the same page with the Lakers front office, but he is an active participant."
Read more: Lakers' Bronny James Lands on Significant List After NBA Summer League
During the 2024-25 NBA season after the trade, Doncic played in 28 games for the Lakers. He averaged 28.2 points per game to go along with 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals, while shooting 43.8 percent from the floor and 37.9 percent from three-point range.
Los Angeles has big plans for the future around Doncic. One report suggested that the Lakers would like to find a way to pair him with fellow NBA superstar Nikola Jokic.
Only time will tell what the future has in store, but right now Los Angeles should be feeling very confident about its future with Doncic leading the charge.
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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