After LeBron James’ departure in free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers are unquestionably Luka Doncic’s team now as he looks to return the franchise to greatness.
Doncic didn’t choose to be a Laker, but he has embraced it from the minute he first put on the purple and gold jersey. That continues as ahead of the start of the Lakers’ 2026-27 season, the superstar took out a full page ad in the L.A. Times to send a message to the fanbase:
A full page ad from Luka Dončić is in today’s LA Times https://t.co/7KbUydvYL1
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 21, 2026
As Doncic alluded to, Los Angeles is a city filled with many different kinds of people and cultures, but the one thing that brings everyone together is the Lakers. That also makes him the perfect leader for the team as the Slovenia native speaks four languages and has become a global superstar in recent years.
For Doncic to truly win over the fanbase though, he will need to bring championships to L.A. and he understands that. It remains to be seen if the Lakers will be able to compete this season, but they overhauled their roster to surrounding Doncic with the pieces he needs long-term to make it happen.
Doncic was involved in the process of building the Lakers’ roster, and the belief will start with him if the team wants to make a run. They kick off their season at home on Wednesday night against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
Luka Doncic doesn’t feel added pressure as face of Lakers
Being the face of a franchise like the Lakers can be a lot for a young superstar, but Doncic has been under the spotlight since he was a kid and doesn’t feel added pressure being in this situation.
“No,” Doncic told Sports Illustrated when asked if there was a point where it really hit him that he is the face of the Lakers. “I mean, obviously they’re gonna say it’s a lot more pressure, but it’s not really pressure, it’s an honor.”
The Lakers are lucky to have Doncic as the face of their franchise moving forward as he clearly understands the importance of it and what it means to wear purple and gold.
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