Luka Doncic has made it clear that expectations in Los Angeles are sky high heading into next season. Speaking on Sports Central LA, the Lakers star said the only acceptable goal is bringing another title to the franchise.
“Championship,” Doncic said when asked what he hopes to add to his game. “That’s our goal. That should be always the goal. We went out in the first round, but our goal is championship.”
The 26-year-old guard was traded to the Lakers in February in a blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas. The move paired Doncic with LeBron James, who will enter his 23rd season in 2025–26.
Doncic credited James’ presence as a crucial factor for Los Angeles. “Of course, he’s one of the best basketball players ever. So just for having him there is going to help all of us, not just me, but every player, all the staff, he’s going to help us win because he knows what to do to win,” he said.
James exercised his player option for the upcoming season, fueling speculation about his long-term future. Despite trade rumors, there has been no indication from the Lakers that they intend to move the four-time champion.
Doncic’s arrival in Los Angeles brought immediate attention. After recovering from a calf strain, he delivered a triple-double against his former team, the Mavericks, and posted several standout performances down the stretch.
In the playoffs, Doncic averaged 30.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists in a five-game series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers were eliminated in the first round, but his production signaled what the future could hold.
This offseason, the five-time All-Star signed a three-year, $165 million extension with Los Angeles, cementing his role as the centerpiece of the franchise’s next era.
Doncic is currently competing with Slovenia at EuroBasket 2025, where he is averaging 33 points, 9.7 assists and 7.3 rebounds. His team sits at 1-2 in Group D and is fighting to advance to the knockout stage.
