The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the upcoming NBA season with high expectations. After acquiring Luka Doncic in a blockbuster deal, hopes skyrocketed in Los Angeles. But despite the star power, the Lakers suffered a disappointing early playoff exit—one made more bitter as the Oklahoma City Thunder went on to capture the NBA title.
Doncic may now be the face of the Lakers, but when it comes to the new kings of the Western Conference, he’s not shy about giving credit. In a recent interview with YES Network, the five-time All-NBA guard praised the Thunder for their stunning 2025 championship campaign.
“Honestly, I think they deserved it,” said Doncic. “They had great players, and they really played really well. I think the West is so stacked right now—we have so many teams, and you never know what to expect.”
While Doncic didn’t name names, his respect for what the Thunder have built is evident. Led by MVP runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, rising star Jalen Williams, and breakout big man Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have become the blueprint for sustainable success—young, deep, and fully in sync with the modern NBA.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a basket during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets
After finishing the regular season with a league-best 68-14 record, the Thunder cruised through the playoffs with a 12-5 run, dropping just two games in the Western bracket. Their dominance from start to finish resulted in one of the most impressive seasons in franchise history.
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At the heart of that run was Gilgeous-Alexander, who has emerged as one of the league’s brightest superstars. The reigning MVP averaged 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game while leading both on the court and in the locker room.
Doncic also has a point when talking about the state of the Western Conference. It’s arguably never been more loaded. Nearly every team in the West boasts at least two legitimate stars, a product of recent blockbuster trades and a fiercely competitive free agency market.
Fortunately for the Lakers, they’ve made serious upgrades of their own. In addition to LeBron James and Doncic, Los Angeles will lean on contributors like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt. The summer signings of Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart have significantly bolstered the team’s depth on both ends of the floor.
While the Lakers may not quite be on par with the Thunder—or even the revamped Houston Rockets—they have the talent to challenge any contender. With Doncic leading the charge, they remain confident in the roster they’ve built heading into what promises to be one of the most competitive NBA seasons in recent memory.
