The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to star power, but this season marks a new era as Luka Doncic steps into the spotlight as the franchise’s first international face. With the 2025-26 NBA season looming, all eyes are on the 26-year-old Slovenian sensation, whose journey from European prodigy to Lakers centerpiece has captivated fans, executives, and basketball pundits alike.
It’s been a whirlwind year for Doncic. After a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks in February, he wasted no time making his presence felt in Los Angeles. The Lakers, renowned for their championship pedigree and global appeal, went all out to welcome their new star—culminating in a max contract extension that solidifies Doncic’s place as the cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ president and controlling owner, has been especially vocal in her admiration for Doncic. Her praise is more than just lip service; it’s a ringing endorsement from one of the NBA’s most respected leaders. As Buss put it during a recent interview with The Athletic, “He just looked comfortable. His focus was on basketball instead of something else being in the back of his mind. He’s less burdened; he’s got clarity. … He knows where he wants to be. He knows where he is now.”
Buss’s comments came after she and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka traveled to Poland to watch Doncic compete for Slovenia in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 tournament. The trip wasn’t just a show of support—it was a testament to the Lakers’ commitment to integrating Doncic into the fabric of the organization. Observing him on the international stage, Buss was struck by his poise and freedom. “I can’t think of a better representation of Laker basketball than Luka and what he brings to the game. To see it in a different context, a European tournament, it just feels very similar to Kobe or LeBron in the Olympics or Magic Johnson with the Dream Team,” she said.
Doncic’s summer was a sharp contrast to the typical NBA offseason. While some stars opted for rest or low-key training, Doncic dove headfirst into EuroBasket, representing Slovenia with a renewed sense of purpose. The Lakers, keen to protect their investment, allowed Doncic to participate on the condition that he was accompanied by a team coach. Greg St. Jean, a Lakers assistant, worked closely with Slovenia’s coaching staff to ensure Doncic was at his best—both physically and mentally.
Coach St. Jean’s involvement paid dividends. Doncic showcased not only his trademark skillful shooting and strategic passing, but also a noticeable physical transformation. His performance impressed Lakers brass, teammates, and fans alike. St. Jean was full of praise, noting the collaborative effort with Slovenia’s staff to maximize Doncic’s impact. The result? A player who looked more confident, less burdened, and laser-focused on basketball.
For Doncic, this season isn’t just another chapter—it’s the beginning of his Lakers legacy. “He knows where he wants to be. He knows where he is now,” Buss reiterated, emphasizing the clarity and peace of mind Doncic has found in Los Angeles. The mental and emotional weight of his midseason trade from Dallas, which he carried through the remainder of last season, appears to have lifted. Now, with a fresh start and a supportive environment, Doncic is ready to lead.
It’s a significant moment for the Lakers, a franchise steeped in tradition but always looking toward the future. While legends like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Magic Johnson have defined eras of Lakers basketball, Doncic represents a new kind of superstar—a global ambassador whose impact transcends borders. Buss sees Doncic as the perfect bridge between the Lakers’ storied past and their international ambitions. “The idea that he is a Laker, it connects us. It’s a global thread,” Buss said. “I can’t think of a better representation of Laker basketball than Luka and what he brings to the game.”
Doncic’s journey to Los Angeles began long before the trade. After a stellar 2022-23 campaign with the Mavericks—where he averaged 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game—he established himself as one of the league’s premier talents. His unique blend of European finesse and American athleticism has redefined the modern point guard role, and his ability to perform under pressure is already the stuff of legend. The Mavericks’ loss is the Lakers’ gain, as Doncic’s presence instantly raises the franchise’s championship ceiling.
The Lakers’ offseason strategy has revolved around building a cohesive, versatile roster to complement Doncic’s talents. With established stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis still in the fold, the challenge is integrating individual brilliance into a team-first ethos. Training camps and preseason games have been laser-focused on chemistry, ball movement, and defensive intensity—areas where Doncic’s leadership and basketball IQ can make a tangible difference.
Meanwhile, the Lakers-Mavericks rivalry has taken on a new dimension. Doncic’s rise adds competitive tension to the Western Conference, with both teams eyeing deep playoff runs. Buss’s candid acknowledgment of the Mavericks as a formidable opponent underscores the respect Doncic commands across the league. “Luka is an incredible player who brings a special energy to the court. His determination and skill level are something many young players should aspire to,” Buss remarked earlier this week.
Doncic’s influence extends far beyond the stat sheet. His success has inspired a new wave of international talent to pursue NBA dreams, and his story resonates with fans worldwide. As the first European player to be the face of the Lakers, he embodies the team’s global vision and commitment to excellence. The Lakers have never had a superstar quite like Doncic—one whose appeal is as strong in Ljubljana as it is in Los Angeles.
As Doncic prepares for his first full season in purple and gold, the anticipation is palpable. Training camp in Los Angeles is underway, and the city is buzzing with excitement. The 26-year-old’s transformation—both physically and mentally—has been the talk of the league. Teammates, coaches, and executives are united in their belief that Doncic is poised for greatness.
With the regular season fast approaching, the Lakers’ focus is clear: build around Doncic, foster team chemistry, and chase another NBA Championship. The road won’t be easy, with formidable opponents lurking at every turn. But with Doncic at the helm and the unwavering support of the Lakers organization, the future looks brighter than ever.
As Jeanie Buss and the Lakers brass have made clear, this is more than just a new season—it’s the dawn of a new era in Los Angeles basketball. The world will be watching as Luka Doncic leads the charge, determined to etch his name alongside the legends who came before him. The journey has just begun, and for Lakers fans, the possibilities are as limitless as Doncic’s talent.
