The Los Angeles Lakers sent shockwaves through the NBA earlier this year when they acquired Luka Doncic in a high-profile trade that saw Anthony Davis head to the Dallas Mavericks.
The move signaled a shift in the Lakers’ long-term vision, pairing the 26-year-old Slovenian star with the legendary LeBron James in pursuit of another championship. With his first full season in L.A. on the horizon, Doncic is not just expected to deliver on the court, he’s being asked to lead.
Doncic was long seen as the face of the Mavericks, but taking on that same role for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises comes with new layers of scrutiny and responsibility. And he’s fully aware of what that means.
“I mean, it was probably just something I needed to do,” Doncic recently told The Athletic. “I’ve been through a lot of basketball now. Being a leader-sometimes it’s comfortable, sometimes not. Sometimes it’s great, and sometimes you have to say things you don’t want to. But that’s part of it.”
He’s not new to leadership, having already captained the Slovenian national team during the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, where they reached the quarterfinals. His teammate Edo Muric credited Doncic’s maturity and growing patience with those around him, noting that he’s become more understanding of players with less experience.
“He’s more vocal and even more patient with the players because he’s coming from a different level than we are,” Muric shared.
Pressure mounts as expectations rise
As the Lakers aim to return to championship contention, all eyes will be on how Doncic leads both in the locker room and during critical moments on the floor. His preparation has already drawn attention, he’s arrived in noticeably better shape, a sign that he’s responding to the criticisms that have shadowed him in recent seasons.
But not everyone is convinced. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith recently challenged Doncic’s leadership, pointing to his past conditioning issues as a red flag. “If you want to be the face of the franchise, being in shape is non-negotiable,” Smith said on First Take.
Even Doncic himself admitted he has room to grow. After a tough loss to Orlando last season, he reflected on his inconsistency. “I was vocal early in the season, but I let it slip,” he said. “Me and Bron, we have to be the ones to lead. That’s on me.”
Leadership, though, isn’t just about commanding presence – it’s about consistency, accountability, and earning the trust of your teammates. With LeBron still on the roster, Doncic has a mentor and co-leader. But as the future face of the Lakers, the coming season will be his proving ground.
Only time will tell if Doncic can rise to the challenge and bring another banner to the rafters of Crypto.com Arena.
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