Luka Doncic‘s future with the Los Angeles Lakers is a topic that has gathered a fair bit of buzz since the team’s elimination from the playoffs. While the element of doubt lingered in the air, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon unveiled some information on the star’s plans with the team while speaking on “The Dan Patrick Show“.
“With what I know of Luka, and I haven’t talked to him directly about this, but talking to people who know Luka well,” said MacMahon, discussing the matter. “He’s fully committed to LA now. He’s fully committed to the Lakers. His goal now is to win championships with that franchise.”
The acquisition of Luka Doncic before the trade deadline was one of the major points of the Lakers’ season. With Doncic joining the team, the Purple and Gold managed to find the face of their franchise for the future after LeBron James‘ retirement.
At 26 years old, the Slovenian is one of the most gifted players in the league, if not the world. His abilities were put on full display in the short span he played with the Lakers during the regular season.
Although Doncic faced much criticism for his poor defensive work in the postseason, he was a significant contributor to the team’s offensive endeavors. Unfortunately, his first playoff run with the Lakers came to a bitter end after a crushing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Doncic’s future with the team was shrouded in mystery only because of his upcoming contract extension. The Lakers guard will be due to sign the extension on August 2nd, worth $228.6 million over the next four years.
Signing Doncic to a four-year deal displays the Lakers’ commitment to building around the star, and the front office has been clear in communicating their intentions to do so as well. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka made it abundantly clear that the team would be looking to bring in specific types of players who could bolster the roster strength by pairing well with their star guard.
From athletic, rim-protecting big men to defensive specialists on the wings, the Purple and Gold have a very clear vision for what they need to do in the offseason to ensure that they are primed to contend for a title. With Doncic at the helm of the team, the Lakers will look to him to soar to new heights next season.
Although there are still some concerns about the future of some players on the roster, the Lakers should have some flexibility when it comes to tackling these matters.
