Luka Doncic is spending his first offseason as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers after his still shocking trade from the Dallas Mavericks ahead of February's deadline. The Slovenian point guard helped the purple and gold post a 50-32 record and the third seed in the Western Conference standings.
Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 43.8% from the field, 37.9% from deep and 79.1% from the free-throw line in 28 contests with the 17-time NBA champions.
As promising as his first season with the Lakers was, fans are counting on the team to bring the right help the maximize Doncic's prime and LeBron James' final years. Amid reported interest in Deandre Ayton, Rob Pelinka is reportedly focused on saving money in hopes to land a big star in the 2027 free agency.
Meanwhile, the Lakers agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with Jake LaRavia, a decision that didn't please fans.
Luka Doncic
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball against San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24).
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The apparent lack of ambitious in the short term has raised many eyebrows among Doncic's fanbase. Many took to social media to call for Doncic to leave the Lakers, with some placing him on a specific conference opponent.
"If I'm Luka Doncic, I say thanks but no thanks to the Lakers and ask for a sign & trade for Jamal Murray. Don't be a sucker Luka, that franchise is cooked," one fan wrote.
"I don’t understand the Lakers “building for the future” or “waiting for 2027 max space” Luka Doncic is not a rookie, he’s a top 5 player in the NBA RIGHT NOW who just led a team to the nba finals & is in the prime of his career. You have Lebron by his side too. GO MAKE A MOVE ROB," another fan said.
"Can't wait til the Nuggets get Doncic after this season....when he exercises his player option and signs with the Nuggets. If the Nuggets can trade MPJ they can more easily trade Jamal Murray....make room for Luka," a third fan said.
"Luka Doncic deserves better than this. Imagine Cooper Flagg winning an NBA title before Luka. He needs to leave LA," a fourth fan noted.
"Why would Luka doncic be alright sacrificing last season and 2 more for POTENTIAL 2027 free agents ?? This plan is really bad Luka doncic should leave," a fifth fan said.
"Luka Dončić needs to request a trade to the Nuggets," a sixth fan added.
With LeBron James' future in the air, the Lakers could face another issue if Doncic decides that is not the best scenario for his career. The Lakers showed glimpses of brilliance in the 2024-25 season, but if they don't make the right moves, the situation would be grim for the purple and gold.