Luka Doncic
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With LeBron James departing in free agency this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers are unquestionably Luka Doncic’s team moving forward.
Doncic was traded to the Lakers so he did not choose to play in L.A., but he has continued to express his commitment and loyalty to the organization every step on the way. That was again the case in an excerpt from “Lakers: An Official History of the Purple & Gold,” the definitive authorized history of the franchise that was recently released.
“I’m a Laker now. I’m not sure that I could ever have imagined being here and wearing the purple and gold. It’s a wonderful surprise and it feels amazing and now I desperately want to win it all,” Doncic wrote in the book. “I won’t rest until we win more championships. I used to let my game do most of the talking, but I want Lakers fans to know that I am ready, excited and eager to deliver … This is a city that is used to winning and winning big. I am so honored and grateful that I get the chance now to write my own championship chapters.”
Expectations are always high when you play for the Lakers, but that is something Doncic has clearly embraced since joining the franchise. He got his first taste of playing in the NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 and understandably has felt desperate to get back there with the purple and gold.
The Lakers completely overhauled their roster this offseason to put a team together that fits around Doncic and Austin Reaves. It remains to be seen how everything will play out on the court, but Doncic seems poised for a career season and is entering it with the right mindset.
Luka Doncic discusses growth as player and person
It’s clear that Doncic has grown a lot as a player and person since he entered the NBA, and he recently detailed what that growth has looked like.
“I mean, obviously there’s differences. But like I said before, probably a better basketball player, more mature,” Doncic said in an interview with SLAM. “But like I say, play basketball the same way with a smile on my face, not much.”
Doncic is always gonna play the game with passion and joy, but his growth as a leader will be on full display for the Lakers during the 2026-27 season as they look to get back into championship contention.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.