Luka Doncic has been burnt by his beloved franchise before, but he’s hoping this time will be different.
Doncic admitted he hopes to finish his NBA career with the Lakers, despite never expecting to leave Dallas.
“Hopefully, yeah,” Doncic told the California Post. “But as you know in this NBA business, you never know what’s going to happen. But I feel like I’ve found something here that’s very comfortable for me. And hopefully [that happens].”
Doncic was traded to Los Angeles in February 2025 in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history.
He was clearly heartbroken at first, but has gradually embraced LA and appears keen to make it his long-term home.
“After that, at training camp last year, I felt I was where I belonged,” Doncic told the California Post. “I feel very good in LA. I’m very excited. Very happy. Obviously it’s a beautiful place to live. But just being with the Lakers organization, being a part of it, it’s such an honor. It’s amazing to be here.”
It’s Doncic’s ninth season in the league, and after narrowly missing out an MVP award in several seasons, he still has it in his sights.
But affirmed that the team comes first.
“It would definitely mean a lot,” Doncic said. “Obviously a championship, that’s what you play for every game. That’s what you train for everyday. But obviously it would be nice to win the MVP also. Not everybody can say they have an MVP, so obviously that would be nice.
“But that comes with the team first. If you don’t play good, you’re never going to win championships or MVP. So, we’ve got to play good. I’m very excited to go to war with these people. I think we had a great training camp and we’re ready to go.”