NBA Rumors: Lakers front office reportedly take bold approach after extending Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly going all-in on Luka Doncic, as the Slovenian star is expected to be a central figure in the team’s roster for the upcoming seasons. With rumors abound regarding LeBron James’ potential retirement after the next season, the front office has seemingly prioritized building around Doncic.

Doncic, however, did not immediately replicate his standout performances from his Dallas Mavericks days. His unexpected trade while dealing with an injury raised eyebrows, and he struggled to elevate the Lakers to the next level last season.

Concerns about his weight and performance had Doncic trending on social media, with fans questioning his talent. However, with an improved physical condition and clearly defined team goals, the Lakers’ front office appears content with their current direction.

NBA insider Sean Deveney commented on the situation via his X account, highlighting the Lakers’ apparent confidence in their roster. He noted that the team has reportedly opted to hold off on any major trades, despite opportunities to include players like Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt in potential deals.

“Still, the feeling around the Lakers is that the team is pretty much set as it is, and that no major trades are forthcoming until the season gets rolling. The Lakers have had opportunities to include the likes of Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade packages already, but have declined to do so,“ Deveney revealed.

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As the Lakers gear up for the new season, the anticipated LeBron-Doncic dynamic will be under close scrutiny. Despite optimism, the team faces challenges, particularly after a previous season that left the fanbase dissatisfied.

Fans were notably concerned about Bronny James’ performance. As an NBA player who spent much of his time on the bench and with the South Bay Lakers, there’s hope for improvement. His contributions last season, averaging only 2.3 points over 27 games, left supporters wanting more.

Expectations remain high for other new additions. There is some skepticism regarding players like Shake Milton, who, alongside Dorian Finney-Smith, initially stirred excitement among fans. With Finney-Smith no longer on the roster, and the acquisition of DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart, the Lakers aim to present a more formidable lineup in the upcoming season.