Luka Doncic has made it clear what drives him every single day: winning a championship. According to a source close to the Lakers star, Doncic constantly reminds those around him that capturing a title is his only focus, and he trusts the front office to keep building a roster capable of getting it done.
“He stresses every single day that his goal is to win a championship,” a source close to Doncic told ESPN. “He trusts the front office to do their part, and he trusts what they’re building.”
Doncic hasn’t yet played one full season as a Laker, but he’s making it clear where his priorities lie. Despite six and a half seasons with the Mavericks, they spurned him in a trade that left him feeling hurt and betrayed. He was ready to spend his entire career in Dallas, but it wasn’t until after he was gone that he found out why they let him go.
Citing a history of issues related to weight and conditioning, the Mavericks want someone more committed to the cause and who could set a better example for their players to follow. As good as Luka was, his struggles with work ethic and on defense were enough to cost him his spot on the Mavs.
On his new team, Luka wants to set the record straight from day one that he’s serious about winning. He spent all summer in the gym to stay in shape and slim down the extra fat, and we saw the results at EuroBasket 2025. Luka’s dominant play shone in the tournament, and teammates raved about his improved leadership and form.
Now, we know he’s been making verbal commitments as well, to remind the franchise that he’s completely locked in on winning a title. After a summer of hearing his dedication questioned, he’s ready to prove his doubters wrong and show that he can be the one who takes his team all the way.
With averages of 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game as a Laker, he was already playing at an elite level last year. Now, however, Doncic is going to be at his best with a stacked roster that includes LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton. Off the bench, there’s Marcus Smart, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent. They also have several draft picks to use in a trade for the future.
The Lakers have done their part, and now it’s time for Luka to answer the call with a historic performance this upcoming season. If he carries over his dominant performance at EuroBasket to the NBA, it will help the Lakers become a bigger threat in the West and validate their decision to pivot around him. Now that he’s signed to a three-year, $165 million extension, there is no more uncertainty about his future.
For Luka, there’s no mistaking the mission. He’s trimmed down, locked in, and vocal about chasing the one thing that’s eluded him so far: an NBA title. The Lakers have put the pieces in place, and now it’s up to Luka to prove he can finish the job and cement his place among the game’s all-time greats.
