When Luka Doncic sat down with Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick over dinner back in the month of May, he did not beat around the bush.
According to ESPN, Doncic stated, “I don’t want to wait... Let’s do whatever we can now.”
That statement is not just a hopeful suggestion; it was a clear message. The Lakers may have the front office titles, but Doncic? He is the one driving this thing.
Doncic is already the Lakers’ undisputed leader on and off the court
If that quote sounds familiar, it should. That kind of direct line probably used to belong to LeBron James, who has spent years being called “LeGM,” a nickname fans gave him because of his behind-the-scenes influence on roster moves.
Doncic may not have that nickname, at least not yet, but let's coin him “The Don”; like a mob boss, he will call the shots. It is obvious that his impact is already trending in the same direction.
Doncic just signed a three-year, $165 million extension after only 28 games in Los Angeles. He did not waste any time to prove his loyalty to the team. He is in the best shape of his life, gracing the cover of Men’s Health and looking every bit like a guy who’s on a mission.
It does not stop there; he helped bring in Deandre Ayton and made sure to get the former DPOY Marcus Smart. Those are two key pieces that did not magically appear out of nowhere. Doncic’s fingerprints have been all over this offseason.
LeBron was 34 years old when he arrived in Los Angeles, trying to squeeze every ounce out of his remaining prime. Doncic comes in at a younger age at just 26 years old, but make no mistake, his urgency is no different.
He knows windows close quickly in the NBA. He does not want to waste time watching other stars pass him by.
While LeBron's "LeGM" legacy was built over time, with trades, recruitment, and high-stakes playoff runs, Doncic is stepping into that role instantly. The Lakers need a clear leader moving forward. Doncic is the perfect candidate to take that role and own it.
Yes, at the end of the day, Rob Pelinka still signs the contracts, and JJ Redick will draw up the plays. But if it was not clear before, it is crystal now: Doncic’s voice from here on out will carry at least some weight in every decision this team makes.
The Lakers have their guy. He is not just a star or a scorer. He is someone who is unafraid to lead from the table and the floor. The only question is how far “The Don” can take them.