Since Luka Doncic’s arrival to Los Angeles, he has quickly established himself as the franchise’s cornerstone, and current reporting across outlets confirms that he is now considered the only truly “untouchable” player on the Lakers’ roster.

Doncic’s status surpasses even LeBron

While LeBron James remains an iconic figure and a vital contributor for the Lakers, recent market speculation and insider analysis make it clear that not even LeBron is immune to trade discussions—if the right deal emerges and the price is right.

This marks a significant shift for the Lakers, as LeBron has long been viewed as the face of the franchise and a player with considerable influence over roster moves. However, the combination of Doncic’s age, production, and long-term upside gives him a unique status.

As The Athletic’s Jovan Buha noted, despite rumors about possible superstar trades, the Lakers would not consider moving Doncic, even for a player of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s caliber, largely due to Doncic’s youth and all-around impact.

Multi-year commitment and roster building

Doncic’s tenure in Los Angeles is expected to be a multi-year partnership, with contract talks reportedly centering on a deal in the range of three years and $165 million. The Lakers’ front office and coaching staff are now focused on building around Doncic and LeBron, with the franchise aggressively pursuing upgrades in the frontcourt to complement their star duo. 

Following the Davis-Doncic trade, the Lakers have prioritized finding a starting center, targeting players like Clint Capela and Dereck Lively II to address rebounding, rim protection, and pick-and-roll needs.

The Lakers’ willingness to entertain offers for other key contributors, including Austin Reaves, further underscores Doncic’s untouchable status. While Reaves is highly valued for his production and chemistry with both Doncic and LeBron, he is not considered off-limits if the right opportunity arises, such as a chance to acquire a foundational center or another superstar.

The new face of the Lakers

The acquisition of Luka Doncic has redefined the Lakers’ identity and market strategy. Despite the presence of LeBron James, the franchise’s long-term vision now revolves around Doncic’s prime years and his ability to elevate the team’s ceiling.

With the Lakers’ front office making it clear that Doncic is the only untouchable player on the roster, the message to the rest of the league is unmistakable: the Lakers are all-in on Luka, and every other asset is potentially in play if it means strengthening their championship window.