Luka Doncic Reveals Shocking Message About Lakers Future
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the offseason with a long list of priorities. They tried to check as many boxes off as they could as ownership shifted from Jeanie Buss to Mark Walter, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, Los Angeles kept both of their stars in Luka Doncic and LeBron James. However, Doncic is subtly letting the Lakers know how he wants things.
Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million contract to stay in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future. Getting him under contract was the team’s main goal this offseason. However, bringing in upgrades around their two stars was also important. Luckily for the Lakers, the front office was able to do both, setting Los Angeles up as a scary team next season.
While Doncic pleased the Lakers with his extension, he is sending a message to the franchise. As the player receiving the torch from James, the guard is in a position of great power when it comes to how the team is managed. ESPN Insider Tim McMahon pointed out as much when talking about how often Doncic mentions the team’s owners.
“Everything you hear coming from Luka Doncic like the statements he’s put out from from his people when he talks about the future of the Lakers, Mark Walter’s name is always mentioned in there very strategically. Jeanie Buss and Mark Walter,” McMahon said.
Both Walter and Buss still carry a lot of power when it comes to the Lakers. However, stars like Doncic and James have become more influential than ever. Both have their sights set on contending in the Western Conference next season. In order to do that, Doncic could decide to exercise some leverage against the front office and ownership.
The Lakers have already brought in Deandre Ayton and other players to improve the roster. Despite those moves, Doncic’s stance remains clear. He is happy to be with the Lakers, but the team’s owners have to work hard to keep him that way.