Luka Doncic, Lakers
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Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on February 12, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be in good hands with Luka Doncic being their superstar for the future. Former player Sasha Vujacic certainly agrees with that notion, even calling out the Dallas Mavericks in the process.
The Mavericks sent Doncic and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick back in February. The deal created shockwaves throughout the NBA with many wondering how a trade of that magnitude remained quiet despite many rumors going around.
Nonetheless, both teams went their new paths as the Lakers now have plans for the short term and long term. Doncic pairing up with veteran superstar LeBron James presents an opportunity for immediate title contention, while Los Angeles prepares for a new era with the former as the face of the franchise moving forward.
Vujacic appeared at Pechanga Resort’s golf course for a live interview with Andy Kamenetzky and D’Marco Farr of ESPN LA on Aug. 26. He represented the Lakers from seven seasons from 2004 to 2010, being a role player on the Kobe Bryant-led squads that won titles in 2009 and 2010.
He discussed multiple topics in the nine-minute conversation, including why he sees greatness in Doncic and why he’s the ideal star for what the Lakers need.
“100%. And I think that — not to diss Dallas — but I think Luka’s light and capability were way too big for the Dallas spotlight. I think Luka is the perfect guy that we need in L.A. to carry us to that next championship,” Vujacic said. “And I said it a long time ago when I watched him play — there are glimpses I see from Kobe, like in his eyes. He plays with a smile, but he wants to kill you.”
Vujacic is looking forward to seeing Doncic elevate his game to new heights with the Lakers instead of the Mavericks.
“There was a saying in our locker room — you smell blood, you go at them — and I think Luka is one of those few individuals in the league that has that demeanor, and has that mindset of trying to go to the next level,” Vujacic added. “I think it’s going to be a fun year, and I’m really happy he’s with us.”
What Lies Ahead For Luka Doncic, Lakers
Luka Doncic, Lakers
GettyLeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers react at the end of the fourth quarter of a game against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 132-113. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
It’s a big declaration for Sasha Vujacic to make about Luka Doncic, looking forward to the star’s potential with the Lakers instead of the Mavericks.
He would be right to believe in Doncic reaching his ceiling. Despite the expectations that come with it, Doncic proved that he can lead a team to the NBA Finals, which he did with the Mavericks in 2024.
The next step for him is improving his conditioning, which he has been doing this offseason. He would be more fit and quicker on the court, which can help him be healthy throughout the 82-game regular season and be more reliable for the Lakers.
Los Angeles acquired Doncic with the main goal being to compete for the titles in the long run, especially after LeBron James decides to retire from the NBA. Standing out as one of the best players in the league, it is up to Doncic to prove his doubters wrong and cement himself as a legend in the sport as well as Lakers lore.