Luka Doncic Takes Over the Leadership of the Lakers After LeBron James’ Departure

The Slovenian is facing his second full season in Los Angeles as an absolute leader, with the championship and MVP as major goals in a new cycle for the Los Angeles franchise.

Convinced of his goals

Luka Dončić, leader of the Los Angeles Lakers, said on Monday that "if the championship isn't your goal," he doesn't know "what you're doing" in the Los Angeles franchise, during media day before the start of the new NBA season.

"Realistically, I would say the championship. If that's not your goal, I don't know what you're doing here. I would like us all to come here to learn something new every day. On an individual level, obviously, I'd like to win the MVP one day, but that won't happen if we're not good as a team," Doncic said

The Slovenian is preparing for his second full season in Los Angeles, his first as the undisputed leader following LeBron James' departure.

"I wouldn't say it's different (being the star of the Lakers). There have certainly been big names, but it's a new challenge. I like it. I'm not saying it's different, but I feel honored," he said.

"It's a new challenge. I've been in this position many times in my career; it's nothing new. I'm ready to take it on," he added.

Doncic took a summer off and is at his peak at the start of the season.

"I feel good. I rested, and mentally, I feel great," he said.

A new cycle in LA

Los Angeles had an eventful summer with the departure of LeBron James, who ended an eight-season stint and a championship ring with the Lakers to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.

His departure definitively closed the era that began in 2018 and left Luka Dončić as the undisputed face of a franchise that is looking to regain prominence in the West.

The change was also institutional. Mark Walter, who had acquired control of the franchise just a year earlier, agreed to sell the Lakers to a group led by former Disney CEO Bob Iger and businessman Joshua Kushner in a deal valued at $12.5 billion, pending NBA approval.

On the court, the Lakers responded to the rebuild with a significant investment. They kept Austin Reaves with a four-year, $185 million contract, and acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in exchange for two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps, before giving him a four-year, $130 million deal.

Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili also joined to expand the rotation.

Dončić is thus entering his second full season in Los Angeles as the undisputed leader, no longer sharing the top spot with LeBron. The Slovenian will have Reaves as his main outside partner and Kessler as his inside anchor, in a project designed to surround him with shooters, ball handlers, and versatile players. EFE