Luka Doncic hasn’t been a Laker for long, but he’s already setting sky-high expectations. In his latest interview since the blockbuster trade that sent him to Los Angeles, the All-NBA guard made it clear: he’s not here to blend in—he’s here to chase championships. With the weight of one of the league’s most storied franchises now on his shoulders, Doncic is embracing the pressure and making no excuses. For him, it’s all about delivering banners and building a legacy in the Purple and Gold.
“New guy, new city. It’s not really easy. But just being welcomed by the fans, that’s the first thing that really amazed me,” said Doncic on ‘Insider’s Look.’ “I always had a big connection to the communities wherever I’ve been. Just trying to help out the community like they’ve helped me. That’s all I care about.”
Doncic, 26, experienced ultimate betrayal when his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, traded him in February for a package centered around Anthony Davis. It came as a shock to everyone in the league, even Doncic himself, and he’s been trying to adjust ever since. Now that he’s in Los Angeles, however, his only goal is to win and add his name alongside other Lakers greats who have succeeded at the highest levels.
“The guy that brought championships to the city, for sure,” said Doncic on what he wants to be known for in Los Angeles.
In seven years in the NBA, Luka has proven himself as one of the league’s top performers with career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game on 43.8% shooting. After five straight All-Star seasons in Dallas, the Lakers chose him to lead the future of their franchise, and they are expecting impressive results.
In Luka’s first run as a Laker, he got as far as the first round before being eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Next season, however, the Lakers are poised to go further. Besides keeping LeBron James and Austin Reaves, GM Rob Pelinka added to the roster by bringing in guys like Deandre Ayton, Isaac Okoro, and Jake LaRavia. They also added Adou Thiero in the draft.
With a revamped frontcourt and a healthy star duo, the Lakers are optimistic about a potential title run in 2026, and it would be the perfect send-off for LeBron’s career. For Luka, it would (hopefully) be just the beginning of an era of prosperity in Los Angeles. Either way, you cannot question his commitment to the emission.
For now, Doncic is saying all the right things. But in Los Angeles, words only go so far. Championships define legacies here, and anything less than deep playoff runs will be seen as a disappointment. The Lakers have made their bet on Luka—trading away a pillar in Anthony Davis to usher in a new era. If Doncic can deliver on his promise, he won’t just be embraced by the city—he’ll become a permanent part of Lakers lore. And if he falls short? The scrutiny in L.A. never sleeps.
