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Ivory CoastLuka Doncic Steps Up as Lakers Enter New Era
Luka Doncic takes over as the face of the Lakers as the franchise retools around him for the upcoming season.
Doncic takes charge in Los Angeles
Before a recent preseason game in Las Vegas, Luka Doncic was working alone on the court. The 27 year old star ran intense drills against three assistant coaches, practicing pull up shots, Dirk Nowitzki style fadeaways, and drives to the rim. Head coach JJ Redick gave him the night off, but Doncic still used the floor to stay sharp.
With LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, Doncic is now the undisputed face of the franchise. He stepped into that role right away. He shared thoughts with the front office about roster needs, asking for a top center, and paid out of his own pocket to host the team for a four day minicamp in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Backup big man Kevon Looney said that having Doncic on the floor makes the team feel like they can beat anybody.
Roster changes and playoff questions
Doncic is coming off a season where he led the league in scoring for the second time, topping 40 points in 16 different games. A late hamstring injury kept him out of the playoffs last spring, but he maintained a strict diet and workout plan over the summer to reshape his body.
General manager Rob Pelinka rebuilt the roster around his star by spending big in free agency. The Lakers brought in Walker Kessler for 130 million dollars over four years, Quentin Grimes for 60 million dollars, Sandro Mamukelashvili for 52 million dollars, and Collin Sexton for 27 million dollars. While these additions bring depth, the four players have combined for only six career playoff starts. Even with outside doubts, Doncic voiced his faith in the locker room, stating that "if you don't think we can win a championship, then you shouldn't be here."
What it means for the next game
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers (NBA, Thu, 22 Oct): Los Angeles Lakers win 64%, Golden State Warriors win 36%; projected score Los Angeles Lakers 119, Golden State Warriors 114. Our safest pick: Warriors +14.5.
LA Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers (NBA, Sat, 24 Oct): Los Angeles Lakers win 49%, LA Clippers win 51%; projected score Los Angeles Lakers 112, LA Clippers 111. Our safest pick: Clippers +8.5.
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