Luka Doncic has officially moved into a new era of his NBA career, and his inner circle is making it clear there’s no looking back as he commits to the Los Angeles Lakers after being sent packing from the Dallas Mavericks.
Following the stunning trade at the start of 2025, the star quickly found his footing in LA, and with a three-year, $165 million contract extension now secured, he appears fully invested in his future with his new team.
The Slovenian ace, who spent the first six seasons of his career with the Mavericks as the face of the franchise, sent shockwaves across the league with the sudden exit.
Considered one the league’s most dynamic talents, now months removed from the deal, Doncic’s camp is turning the page for good as his manager, Lara Beth Seager, summed up his mindset in just three words: “He’s moved on.”
“I think it was always known that, when Luka was traded here, it’s, ‘He’s here now,'” Seager continued. “He wants to win where he is, and it’s important that he wins and that we’re working together with the team.
“So we’re not waiting. His mindset has never been to hop around. His mindset is to win the championship.”
Doncic wasted little time integrating himself into the Lakers’ system, thriving alongside LeBron James as he averaged 28 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game in the regular season and reached the NBA Playoffs.
He made up part of a potent backcourt dynamic that helped LA surge into the postseason after finishing third in the Western Conference, although they were beaten in the First Round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Lakers are now preparing for the upcoming season with the European talent as a cornerstone of their strategy as he seems destined to inherit the team from LeBron in coming seasons.
Doncic already impresses LeBron James and earns legend’s blessing
While the team continues to round out its roster and awaits its official preseason schedule, Doncic is already demonstrating leadership both on the court. But away from basketball, he is extending his influence through philanthropy.
He recently partnered with ESPN as a Take Back Sports Ambassador, a national campaign aimed at making youth sports more accessible and enjoyable to help foster the next generation.
“The Luka Doncic Foundation and ESPN’s Take Back Sports initiative are focused on making youth sports more accessible and less stressful for everyone,” Doncic said in a statement. “Together, we can bring the joy back to the game.”
He is donating $5 million to support 77 young athletes in their journeys whilst within the Lakers organization, Luka has received support from LeBron – the four-time NBA champion and franchise icon.
Following the announcement of Doncic’s extension, James personally congratulated him via video call as per ESPN, which comes shortly after the veteran opted in to his own LA extension.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” agent Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future… but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.”
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