Luka Doncic is done with moral victories; he’s aiming for a ring. In a confident statement ahead of the 2025-26 season, the Lakers’ newly extended superstar made it clear that he believes this version of the team has the tools to compete for a championship. With a revamped supporting cast and another year of chemistry with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, Doncic is setting the bar high from day one.
“I think we have a great team. We have what we need to compete for the championship,” Doncic said. “I’ll try to win every game no matter what, and we got some new great guys on the team, so you know we’re going to go for it.”
Last season, the Lakers finished third in the West with Luka, LeBron, and Reaves leading the way. But after a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs, Rob Pelinka went to work, aggressively upgrading the roster to maximize their title chances. The most notable additions: Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart.
“To build a team to win a championship. I think we added two great guys,” Doncic continued. “I played against them before but never with them, so I’m happy they’re on my team.”
On paper, the roster checks a lot of boxes. Ayton provides interior size, rebounding, and scoring in the paint, areas the Lakers sorely lacked. Smart brings a championship pedigree, elite defense, and veteran leadership to the backcourt. With LeBron now entering his twilight years, the front office made it a priority to surround Luka with players who can complement his style and lighten his regular-season workload.
Beyond the headline moves, the Lakers also addressed their bench. They drafted Kentucky forward Adou Thiero and added Jake LaRavia, two high-motor young players who can bring defensive versatility and energy. With Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes still on the roster, head coach JJ Redick has options to build lineups around Doncic depending on matchups.
Since arriving in a blockbuster trade last February, Luka has averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game on 43.8% shooting. This offseason, he’s committed himself to getting in the best shape of his career, and the results are already turning heads around the league.
Now locked in through 2028 and playing at peak condition, Doncic is poised for another MVP-caliber season. But he knows that numbers alone aren’t enough. His mission is clear: to lead this Lakers team back to the Finals and finish the job.
After falling short in 2024 with the Mavericks, Doncic has tasted the big stage—and he wants more. This summer, he didn’t just work on his body; he actively helped recruit Ayton and Smart, and sat down with Lakers brass to help map out a plan. For the first time in his career, Luka has control over his team’s future, and he’s treating it like a championship-or-bust moment.
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