New Lakers ownership could fuel title push with Luka Doncic’s arrival

The Lakers’ shift in ownership comes at a pivotal moment, strategically aligning with the acquisition of Luka Doncic, who was traded to Los Angeles at the midseason deadline.

With Rob Pelinka re-signed as president of basketball operations, the front office now faces its toughest test: building a championship roster around Doncic.

Returning to Brian Windhorst’s commentary:

“In the modern NBA… the Lakers were kind of at the bottom of that,” he said, acknowledging their lag behind other high-spending clubs.

Historically, the Lakers have invested in marquee players and paid the luxury tax, but they have not developed the comprehensive back-end systems and infrastructure seen in franchises like the Clippers or Warriors.

“[They] survived and thrived on their brand – they didn’t really survive on their investment in their franchise,” Windhorst observed. “Money… If you’re willing to spend, going deep into the luxury tax… is helpful.”

As the Lakers prepare to extend Doncic’s contract this offseason, Walter’s takeover could give them newfound flexibility: investing not only in star contracts but also in analytics, training, scouting, and global reach.

This escalation in infrastructure could let the Lakers fully leverage Doncic’s talents and brand.

Windhorst summed it up:

“I don’t think they’ll win more because the record under the Buss family is pretty impressive, but I do think they become more dangerous.”

With a new owner ready to spend and a future superstar now on the roster, the Lakers are positioned for a decade defined by ambition – and, potentially, championships.