By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Los Angeles Lakers held a press conference to discuss a contract extension signed with 26-year-old Luka Doncic. The Slovenian sensation talked about several topics alongside the president of basketball operations and general manager, Rob Pelinka.
“I wanted to be here. This is an amazing organization. We have a trust in each other. Honestly, I decided pretty quickly,” Doncic described the process leading to a deal with the Lakers during the media session on Saturday.
“It’s an honor,” he replied to a question about staying with the storied franchise and contending for an NBA championship, “Playing for this organization. Many great players have played here. So, obviously, I want to add one more [banner] up there. So, that’s what we are working for.”
“Honestly, we have a great team. We have what we need to compete for the championship,” he added, sharing projections on the 2025-26 campaign, “We’re going to go for it.”
During the offseason, the Ljubljana native also assisted in recruiting Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart.
“To build a team to win a championship,” he commented on his summer role, “I think we have two great guys. I played against them before, never with them. So, now I’m happy they are on my team.”
Another well-documented part of the offseason was working toward improved conditioning and physique.
“I was on my way to doing it,” he clarified once more, “I had a little more time to get my mind off basketball. Just doing other things.”
In addition to Doncic and his contract extension, the conversation went to Pelinka answering a question about LeBron James amid constant rumors about his future with the Lakers.
“I think the number one thing we have to do there is respect he and his family’s decision in terms of how long he’s going to play. I think that’s first and foremost. And we want to respect his ability to come up with his timetable on that,” he mentioned, “But if he had a chance to retire a Laker, that would be great.”
Following a new contract with the Lakers, Doncic is expected to report to the training camp of the senior national team of Slovenia on Monday or Tuesday. His focus will be on the upcoming EuroBasket 2025, tipping off on August 27, before switching to his first full season with the team based in Los Angeles.