Doncic on the Lakers’ offseason: “We’ve got a really good team”
The Lakers are entering a new era with Luka Doncic at the center of the franchise and a roster built around his strengths. The former Mavericks star gave his approval to Rob Pelinka’s offseason moves
After LeBron James’ departure from the Los Angeles Lakers, the franchise wasted no time looking ahead. In a transformational offseason, the front office led by Rob Pelinka handed the keys to the organization to Luka Doncic, reshaping the roster with the goal of building the ideal team around its new franchise cornerstone.
Doncic himself made it clear he’s fully on board with the new direction. Speaking with Golf Channel during a visit to the prestigious Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, the Slovenian superstar – like many NBA stars, an avid golfer – expressed his excitement about the work done by the Lakers’ front office.
I think we’ve got a really good team. I’m excited to get next season started. Obviously, last season didn’t end the way we wanted, so we’re motivated and ready for this new year
Luka Doncic
The former Mavericks star’s comments reflect what has been an aggressive and productive offseason for Los Angeles. The Lakers surrounded Doncic and Austin Reaves – who was locked up with a four-year, $180 million extension – with a group of high-level complementary pieces, including defensive anchor Walker Kessler, as well as versatile contributors Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Kevon Looney.
After a 53-win season that ended with a second-round playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the transition to the “Luka system” is now complete.
Replacing the on-court production and leadership of a player like LeBron James is, on paper, an impossible task. But with Doncic coming off a league-leading 33.5 points per game season and now surrounded by what appears to be a supporting cast built to maximize his game, Los Angeles enters the season as one of the most formidable teams in the Western Conference.