Pau Gasol shared his perspective on Luka Doncic’s role with the Los Angeles Lakers during an appearance on NBA Today.
Gasol, who won two championships alongside Kobe Bryant, drew comparisons between his partnership with Bryant and the current Lakers duo of Doncic and LeBron James.
The Hall of Famer noted that while both tandems feature two elite stars, the circumstances are different. Gasol joined the Lakers at age 27 with Bryant in his prime at 29, while Doncic arrived at 25 with James being 40.
Gasol emphasized that the key for the Lakers will be communication, chemistry, and leadership. He pointed out that the organization has handed Doncic the keys, making him the centerpiece of their long-term future.
“Luka is one of the greatest players in the league and a guy that the Lakers are definitely going to build the next 10 years around,” Gasol said. He added that James will have to adjust to a secondary role for the first time in his career.
The dynamic has been under the spotlight since Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks in February. The blockbuster deal sent Anthony Davis to Dallas and paired Doncic with his childhood idol, James, in Los Angeles.
Doncic quickly made an impact, recording multiple triple-doubles and becoming just the fourth player in Lakers history to post at least 30 points and 15 assists in a game, joining James, Magic Johnson, and Jerry West.
With James entering free agency after this season, the Lakers’ roster outlook remains uncertain. Eight players, including James, could become free agents, leaving the front office with major decisions about how to build around Doncic’s three-year, $165 million extension.
For now, Gasol advised Doncic to stay focused on the present season and maximize the opportunity with the current roster. He noted that new addition Deandre Ayton could be a valuable target for Doncic and James.
Gasol closed the interview by reminding viewers that success for superstar tandems requires commitment to teamwork, something he and Bryant mastered during their championship runs.
