There was some intrigue around the NBA that Luka Doncic might not want to give a long-term commitment to the Los Angeles Lakers, but it sounds like he’s known for a while that he wants to stay with the team. This was proven when he signed a three-year contract extension with the Lakers on the first day he was eligible to.
Many have suggested that Los Angeles is looking to the future now that Doncic is committed to the team and they aren’t too concerned with trying to win a championship immediately. However, that’s not what Doncic’s mindset is right now.
It has been well-reported that Doncic sat down for a dinner with head coach JJ Redick and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka back in May, but it wasn’t entirely clear what they spoke about. A new report from ESPN revealed what Doncic told Redick and Pelinka about his desire to win.
“I don’t want to wait,” Doncic told Pelinka and Redick, per ESPN.
In his last full season with the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic led the team to the NBA Finals. He wants to get back there.
“I had a taste of the Finals,” Doncic added. “I am getting back there. So, let’s do whatever we can now.”
Lakers Need to Build Around Doncic
Doncic is the face of the Lakers for the foreseeable future. That’s not a bad thing, as he’s probably one of the four best basketball players in the world right now. However, players only become Lakers legends when they win championships.
Doncic is a great player, but he can’t win championships by himself. The Lakers have to make sure that they surround him with talent. Austin Reaves is a logical running mate for Doncic. He’s only 27 and coming off a career year, but it remains to be seen if he’s a true star.
“This is a big season for him,” a Western Conference assistant coach told ESPN of Reaves. “He’d better bring it in the playoffs, because he’s got to be good enough [to pair with Doncic].”
The Lakers also need to surround him with 3-and-D players.
“Unless he’s going to play without the ball,” a scout said of Doncic, per ESPN, “that’s how you have to build around him.”
Lakers Aren’t Satisfied With Roster Yet
The Lakers have made marginal roster moves this offseason, but nothing too exciting. Deandre Ayton should be an upgrade at center, and while the team added Marcus Smart, they also lost Dorian Finney-Smith.
Pelinka feels like the roster is in a better place, but would still like to continue improving it.
“We like the upgrades we were able to make to the roster,” Pelinka said at a recent press conference. “But by no means are we going to be satisfied. I think every year we’re on an infinite cycle to try to improve this team and win championships, and we’ll stay committed to that work.”
The Lakers aren’t likely to find any big upgrades in free agency, but could still get involved in the trade market.
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