Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 14: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first half of the NBA preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
If it were up to Luka Doncic, he would have ended his career where it all started: with the Dallas Mavericks. He was the rare superstar who did not request a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, but he ended up in Hollywood anyway.
Last season, in 28 games with the Lakers, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Those would be career numbers for most players. For Doncic, it was a down season.
He was dealing with the trade, a lingering calf injury, and, admittedly, poor conditioning. However, all of that is in the review mirror, and 2025-26 is expected to be the year of Luka.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 6: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Paycom Center on April 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
Luka Doncic Is Happy With Los Angeles Lakers
Last season, any shortcomings from Doncic were usually chalked up to his injury or poor conditioning, which was cited as justification for the deal in the first place.
Overlooked was the stress he was under. Role-players can expect to be traded without notice. Superstars? Rarely, and Doncic was seen as one of the most untouchable players in the NBA. He loved Dallas, and Dallas loved him.
As he prepares for his first full season with the Lakers, his new teammates are seeing a version of him that was hidden last season.
“It’s awesome,” said Austin Reaves on October 14. “I think it’s just the overall happiness that he has, joking around every day, building real relationships with everybody.”
Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with Los Angeles this summer. In 2028, he can negotiate an even bigger deal, keeping him in LA even longer.
”When you have that situation, y’all didn’t think it was going to happen,” Reaves added. “We didn’t think it was going to happen.He didn’t think it was going to happen. When something like that happens, it’s shocking. It’s going to take time to figure your feelings out.”
Doncic Dazzled in Preseason Debut for Lakers
Despite a “down year” last season, Doncic doesn’t really have much to prove. He remains an international superstar, one of the best players in the league.
In the Lakers’ most recent preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns, Doncic made his first appearance since EuroBasket, posting a quick 25 points and seven rebounds. He managed to hit shots all over the court.
He missed the first four games with a knee contusion suffered in EuroBasket, although it didn’t stop him from putting on a one-man show for Slovenia. The injury, in short, is not serious and will not keep him out to start the regular season.
The same can’t be said for LeBron James, who is dealing with sciatica. He won’t suit up for the October 21st season opener against the Golden State Warriors.