After Luka Doncic signed his three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers in August, the superstar point guard had winning on his mind. If the latest rumbling from the rumor mill are true, Rob Pelinka and the front office will be right there with him in the pursuit of a title.
Doncic told everyone at the press conference to announce his new deal that the Lakers were 'going to go for it.' Marc Stein's sources are telling him that is exactly what the case will be in his latest rumor mill drop.
Stein wrote, "The Lakers are in win-now mode. ... They will be on the lookout, I'm told, for the proverbial right deal to present itself to upgrade on the wing if possible and add to a list of newcomers headlined by Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia."
The NBA insider also noted that, to his understanding, the Lakers are 'thawing somewhat' on their initial reluctance earlier in the offseason to add contracts stretching beyond the 2025-26 NBA season. Stein clarified the Lakers won't be trading for just anyone, but they will be seizing the right opportunity, if or when available.
Lakers finally realizing what is in front of them with Doncic and James
There were concerns that Pelinka and company would simply be content to kick the can down the road and not fully optimize a roster that had two superstars on it. This latest report from Stein helps cool those down.
A two-way wing has been the easily identifiable missing piece from the Lakers starting lineup. Securing that upgrade would go a long way to making sure a prime opportunity to contend with Doncic and LeBron James does not go to waste.
Luka and LeBron may not be the perfect superstar duo due to the overlap in their skill sets. However, they are still undoubtedly the best tandem in the sport and give the Lakers a truly unfair advantage at the forefront of the team.
James has expressed wanting to compete for a championship. As has Doncic. This is doing right by both superstars on the team.
The Lakers roster has filled out rather well during the 2025 offseason. However, it is still missing that extra boost to take it over the top to championship contention. The plans between now and the NBA trade deadline are obvious. Pelinka must secure that missing piece.