The Los Angeles Lakers are making waves this offseason, and the buzz is all about Luka Doncic’s transformation—on and off the court. After a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024-25 NBA season, Doncic has landed in Los Angeles with a new sense of purpose, a retooled body, and a front office eager to build a championship contender around him. With the 2025-26 NBA campaign on the horizon, the Lakers’ moves—fueled by Doncic’s own recruiting efforts and a string of strategic signings—have set the stage for what could be a defining chapter in the franchise’s storied history.
Doncic’s journey to the Lakers wasn’t without drama. The Slovenian superstar, once the face of the Mavericks, spent seven seasons dazzling Dallas fans with his uncanny vision, clutch shot-making, and creative playmaking. But questions about his conditioning and commitment to fitness trailed him, especially as the Mavericks’ fortunes faltered. This summer, Doncic decided it was time to silence the critics. According to the Lakers’ September 1 press conference, he arrived at training camp in the best shape of his career, determined to prove that he’s ready for the grind of an NBA season—and the demands of leading one of basketball’s most iconic franchises.
“I would just say a little bit of everything. Obviously a little bit faster. I don’t know, just trying to help the team conditioning-wise. Obviously playing a lot of minutes, a lot of games so I think that’s gonna be the best for me,” Doncic told reporters, flashing a grin that suggested he’s more than ready for the challenge. When pressed about his defensive improvements, Doncic didn’t miss a beat: “I think way better. Obviously we added Marcus, so he’s gonna teach me some things but obviously that’s gonna help a lot.”
That “Marcus” is none other than Marcus Smart, the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a veteran known for his tenacity, versatility, and leadership. After being bought out by the Washington Wizards, Smart was courted by several contenders, but it was Doncic’s personal outreach that tipped the scales in the Lakers’ favor. Smart himself acknowledged the impact of Doncic’s recruitment, noting that it “meant a lot” to be wanted by the Lakers’ new cornerstone. For head coach JJ Redick, Smart’s arrival is a game-changer. Whether deployed as a starter or a high-impact sixth man, Smart’s ability to guard multiple positions and mentor younger players will be invaluable, especially as the Lakers look to shore up their perimeter defense.
But the Lakers’ offseason didn’t stop there. In a move that underscores the team’s commitment to building a cohesive unit around Doncic, Los Angeles signed 7-foot center Kylor Kelley—another familiar face from Doncic’s Dallas days. While the two never shared the court in Dallas due to Doncic’s late December calf strain and Kelley’s limited minutes, there’s a sense of unfinished business between them. Kelley, who split last season between the New Orleans Pelicans and Mavericks, made headlines with a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double in his first NBA start against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 2, 2025. Though his NBA résumé is still growing, Kelley’s reputation as a rim protector is well-established—he averaged 2.9 blocks per game in the G-League during the 2023-24 season and 2.1 the following year, earning All-Defensive honors both times.
“The Los Angeles Lakers have signed center Kylor Kelley,” the franchise announced last Monday, highlighting his potential to bolster the team’s interior defense. Given Kelley’s defensive pedigree and the Lakers’ need for depth in the frontcourt, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him carve out a role in Redick’s rotation if things break his way.
All these moves have helped Doncic feel at home in Los Angeles, a city with championship expectations and a fanbase hungry for another banner. The transition wasn’t easy—Doncic has openly admitted he was "heartbroken" after being traded from Dallas. Yet, the Lakers organization welcomed him with open arms, and he’s embraced his new surroundings. “I love this team. The organization has made me feel like family,” Doncic shared after signing his extension, underscoring his commitment to bringing a title to L.A.
Not everyone is thrilled with the new arrangement, though. Mark Cuban, the Mavericks’ former majority owner and longtime Doncic supporter, has made his feelings known in no uncertain terms. Speaking on Gil’s Arena Show on August 30, 2025, Cuban reflected on his changing relationship with Doncic in the wake of the trade. “We still DM and most of the time he will respond to me. And I will still give him sh*t about stuff,” Cuban said, laughing about his friendly banter with Doncic and his father. “Even when we went to play the Lakers, I am sitting and talking to his Dad. His dad and I are friends. We will always sit and talk and hang out. Give Luka a hard time.”
But when asked if he’s still a die-hard fan of Doncic, Cuban didn’t mince words: “Of course not.” The reason? “Off the court, I love Luka to death. On the court, fk him. I don’t want him to get hurt or anything.” Cuban’s animosity toward the Lakers runs deep. “They have the same color as my high school. I threw my high school gear away,” he joked, making it clear he wouldn’t tune in to Lakers games even to watch Doncic. “I am hoping they [Lakers] go 0 and 82…Luka is a good guy, but fk the Lakers.”
Cuban’s candid remarks highlight the emotional stakes involved in NBA trades, especially when a franchise icon like Doncic changes uniforms. The Mavericks, now under new ownership after Cuban sold his shares to the Adelson and Dumont families in 2023, have faced criticism for their recent roster decisions. For Doncic, however, the focus is squarely on the future—and the opportunity that awaits in Los Angeles.
As the Lakers gear up for training camp, all eyes are on how this revamped roster will mesh. Can Doncic’s new physique and renewed commitment to defense, coupled with Smart’s leadership and Kelley’s shot-blocking, propel the Lakers back into the NBA’s elite? Will JJ Redick’s first full season as head coach see the team gel into a true contender, or will growing pains slow their ascent?
One thing’s for sure: the 2025-26 NBA season promises to be a fascinating ride in Los Angeles. With Luka Doncic at the helm, a retooled supporting cast, and plenty of storylines swirling, the Lakers are poised to command the spotlight once again. The journey to the top won’t be easy, but for Lakers fans, hope springs eternal—and the quest for another championship banner is officially underway.
