When Luka Doncic joined the Los Angeles Lakers, it already felt like a monumental shift for the NBA, but his summer work has only added fuel to the belief that he is about to carve out a legendary place in Lakers history. After signing a brand new extension as well as taking major steps forward in his conditioning this offseason, Doncic looks poised to deliver the kind of dominance that could put him among the franchise’s all-time greats by the time things are all said and done.
This is not just hyperbole. Doncic has already made five All-NBA first teams before his 27th birthday, an achievement that puts him in rare company across league history. The production speaks for itself, but the larger story here is about longevity and evolution.
For all of number 77's brilliance to this point, conditioning and durability have been lingering concerns, and now Doncic is answering that challenge head-on. The viral Men's Health magazine feature shows that he has slimmed down noticeably over the last few months and looks more explosive in the gym than perhaps any point since entering the league.
Luka Doncic is primed for greatness in Los Angeles
What that means for the Lakers is simple: they are entering the next phase of their franchise with a bona fide superstar whose best years are still in front of him. In a city that has been defined by elite individual talent over the decades, Doncic is now next in line to leave his mark on the walls of Crypto.com Arena.
Luka is not just another All-Star guard. He's a generational offensive engine who will control the pace, set the tone, and turn the Lakers into perennial contenders as long as he remains healthy.
The organization has responded accordingly, building a roster around Doncic this summer that prioritizes spacing, defense, and secondary playmaking. Deandre Ayton gives the team its most dynamic center of the LeBron James era, and Marcus Smart's defensive intellect will likely prove to be a big difference-maker.
But everything flows through Luka now. There is no need to ease into anything or hold back expectations. With LeBron’s tenure nearly complete and the front office having made its bet, this is Luka’s team to lead. If he stays healthy and continues to raise his ceiling the way this summer suggests, he could very well go down as one of the most impactful Lakers of the modern era. The runway is clear, and it's time for 77 to shine.