The Los Angeles Lakers had a bleak future just six months ago, but the [blockbuster Luka Doncic trade](https://lakeshowlife.com/los-angeles-lakers-luka-doncic-trade-looks-even-better-latest-draft-pick) immediately changed that. It felt like they didn’t have enough to acquire a true alpha to take the mantle from LeBron James, but a foolish move by the Mavericks allowed the Lakers to do the impossible. They now have an in-his-prime superstar to lead them for the next decade-plus.
The Lakers make it look easy, but finding an alpha is far from it. Fans have to look no further than the six straight years missing the playoffs between the Kobe Bryant and LeBron eras. Things can get dark, especially after a lengthy run with a top talent. Opposing franchises saw it trending that way for the Lakers before Nico Harrison gifted them Luka.
The trade has Doncic transforming his body and is ready to [get revenge on the Mavericks](https://lakeshowlife.com/luka-doncic-revenge-on-mavericks-just-beginning). Fans saw him lead Dallas to the NBA Finals in 2024, and the best is still yet to come. The Lakers did the impossible by transitioning from one superstar to another without missing a beat.
Lakers pulled off the impossible with Luka Doncic
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Doncic is all-in on the Lakers. He has only been with the franchise for six months, but he is already recruiting talent to join him and locking in for the next three years. Luka is clearly committed to leading the franchise and winning in Los Angeles. There were no guarantees after the trade, but Doncic appears to have quickly warmed to his new team.
Luka led the Mavericks to two conference finals and four playoff appearances in six years. He is ready to compete for championships and is one of the four best players in the world right now. Expect the Lakers to be in contention every year that number 77 is healthy.
Doncic takes his game to another level in the playoffs. That should excite Lakers fans. They are a serious contender with their new superstar and still have LeBron James on their roster. There was no gap or downtime. The Lakers are here to stay.
Credit to Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office. Nico Harrison gave them a gift, but the franchise capitalized on it. Luka is locked in for multiple seasons and ready to lead the franchise back to title contention.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the best team in the NBA at acquiring star talent, and they pulled the rabbit out of the hat again with Luka Doncic. It isn’t supposed to be that easy, but that is what makes them great. Do not be surprised to see the Lakers land Luka’s next co-star soon.