Luka Doncic is not playing it safe with his words. The Lakers star used a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday to tell the city that “tonight we start our run for a championship.” He is promising a massive effort, but the roster changes in Los Angeles are huge risks.
The Lakers have changed a lot since their 2020 title. They traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Doncic in 2025. They also lost LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers during the recent free agency period. It is a lot of change for one team to handle at once.
The Big Promises From Luka Doncic
Doncic is asking for the city to show up for him. According to ESPN, the star guard wrote that “To do it for all you amazing fans would mean everything to us.” He even promised that the team will provide “No excuses. No nights off.”
He also wants the fans to be loud and present. ESPN reported that Doncic ended his advertisement by asking for fan attendance. I see the passion, but passion does not win games without depth.
Can the New Roster Hold Up
The Lakers are betting on young talent to win. The New York Post noted that the team wants to grow into a championship group. Coach JJ Redick is also very sure about this plan. He told the New York Post that he is “confident we’re gonna develop as a team into a championship-level team this year.”
The team relies heavily on Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler. The New York Post said the Lakers need both players to be consistent with their play and their health. They have spent a lot of money on long-term deals for these players. If they cannot stay on the floor, the whole plan fails.
Lakers president Rob Pelinka also shared his view on the team’s direction. Per the New York Post, Pelinka said the team is on “the path of being a really competitive championship-level team.” He also mentioned that “building a championship roster is an evergreen process.” It sounds good in a press conference, but the results must show on the court. At 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday night, the Golden State Warriors host the Lakers to kick off the season.
