Luka Doncic is entering his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the 26-year-old superstar is already looking ahead with anticipation.
After signing a three-year, $165 million extension to remain in Los Angeles, the five-time All-NBA guard told Spectrum SportsNet’s Mike Bresnahan that the decision came easily due to the strong relationship he quickly built with the organization.
“It was easy,” Doncic said. “After my first game, how they received me… getting to know Rob [Pelinka], getting to know everybody in the organization—it was really an easy decision.”
Doncic also expressed enthusiasm about the team’s offseason moves and his expectations for the upcoming campaign.
“I think we made some great moves,” he said. “We added some guys that can really play and that we needed… I’m very excited and would expect we’re going to fight every game and try to win that championship.”
The Lakers added two key pieces in free agency: veteran guard Marcus Smart and center Deandre Ayton. Doncic admitted he personally pushed for the Smart signing.
“I told his agent that I want to play with him,” Doncic revealed. “That’s one of the guys I always respected… Now I’m lucky I got him on my team.”
Doncic also praised Ayton, noting the 7-footer’s potential fit in JJ Redick’s system. “We needed a big who can roll, big size, so I’m excited,” he said.
This offseason also marked a personal milestone for the Slovenian star. For the first time in his basketball career, he took an entire month off from the sport.
“It was hard… especially those first four-five days,” Doncic said. “But then we found some other sports… mostly padel and tennis, but soccer too.”
Despite the break, Doncic said he remained committed to physical training and returned to the gym with a new plan that included heavy conditioning, strength training, and balance work.
“Just a little bit of everything,” he said of his summer routine. “Lot of weight, lot of balancing, lot of conditioning. And then obviously basketball.”
Looking ahead to the 2025–26 preseason, Doncic said he’s counting down the days.
“I honestly can’t wait to get started, come back here for the preseason. I can’t wait.”
