This is Luka’s team.
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Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers have made Luka Doncic the unquestioned face of their franchise. The stunning midseason trade opened the door for an exciting post-LeBron James era in LA, and the franchise has wasted no time. From letting Luka recruit talent to the Lakers to celebrating his contract extension with a trip to Vegas, everything is about number 77 now.
The facts have already created some uncomfortable moments with LeBron. The Lakers did not pursue a contract extension and appear comfortable letting King James play out the final season of his contract. They want cap flexibility moving forward to build around Luka, even with LeBron still playing at an All-NBA level.For years, the Lakers have acquiesced to James and Klutch Sports. They drafted Bronny, signed several Klutch clients, and did their best to keep LeBron happy. That era is over. Los Angeles is building around Luka now, and every move this offseason has made that crystal clear.
The 26-year-old is deserving. He is already a five-time first-team All-NBA selection. Luka shockingly led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 and has consistently taken his game to another level in the playoffs. The Lakers fell into an all-time great in his prime.
The shift was necessary to keep Doncic happy after the turmoil of the trade. He wanted to spend his entire career with the Mavericks, so the purple and gold had to move fast to buy his trust. They have done that and more in less than seven months. Doncic just signed a three-year extension and is eager to bring a championship to LA.
The Lakers are ecstatic and keep making it clear that all things revolve around Luka. Much of the team they built around LeBron and Anthony Davis remains, but that could quickly change. Luka, Jake LaRavia, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, and Adou Thiero are the only players under contract for the 2026-27 season when excluding the player options for Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart. The Lakers could get bold next summer if that is what Luka wants.
LeBron has been clamoring for upgrades for years, including a desire for a starting center. Luka comes in, and the franchise immediately traded for a big man. The deal eventually fell through as Mark Williams failed his physical, but that didn’t stop the franchise from getting a talented big man this offseason. The front office is giving in to Luka’s desires and trying to build a winner around him.
The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that Luka Doncic is the face of their franchise. LeBron James is still on the roster, but this is no longer his team. There is a new sheriff in town, and he’s ready for the best season of his career.
Luka has gotten in peak shape and wants to prove the Mavericks foolish for dumping him. Lakers fans are about to get the best of a historic talent, so buckle up. This is going to be a wild and fun ride.