After a major roster overhaul this offseason, Luka Doncic officially has the reins in his hands with the Los Angeles Lakers.
While many remain skeptical about the Lakers' chances of competing for a championship next season, Doncic has already shown that he is capable of carrying teams on deep playoff runs. Now, with an even bigger role in Los Angeles, some believe the best version of the Slovenian superstar could still be ahead of him.
Doncic's longtime Slovenia national team teammate Edo Muric is among those expecting him to reach another level with the Lakers next season.
Muric pointed out that Doncic has continued to improve year after year and believes the upcoming campaign could be his best yet, especially with the 27-year-old taking on an even greater leadership role in Los Angeles.
"Luka looks better and better when I see him every year. He is now at that age where he is at the peak of his powers. He's not a kid anymore," Muric told journalist Martin Pavcnik.
"Every time I see him with a ball, he just gets better and better," he added. "I can't wait for next season to see him in an even bigger role with the Lakers. I just hope he stays healthy the entire season because this truly could be his best one yet, and I'm really looking forward to it."
Lakers complete major roster overhaul
Luka Doncic Austin Reaves Lakers
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The Lakers completed a major roster overhaul this offseason after losing LeBron James in free agency and bringing in several younger pieces while making Doncic the franchise's unquestioned centerpiece.
Along with keeping Doncic and Austin Reaves, Los Angeles added Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, and Quentin Grimes among its biggest offseason acquisitions.
Last season, the Lakers finished fourth in the Western Conference with a 53-29 record before reaching the second round of the NBA playoffs. They defeated the Houston Rockets in six games in the opening round before being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Doncic also put together a spectacular individual season before an injury forced him to miss the entire playoffs, averaging 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.