Luka Doncic turns up the pressure on Lakers ahead of crucial summer
Doncic heads into another uncertain summer, his second with the Lakers, now holding the keys to the team, but still waiting on the reinforcements he wants.
This is the summer of real change for the Lakers. The team is now more aligned with the model that new owner Mark Walter wants to implement than with the one inherited from the multibillion-dollar purchase from the Jerry Buss family, especially his daughter Jeanie Buss. Over the past month, those changes have been visible in areas off the court, with a focus on finances and tightening budgets to make the acquisition profitable. On the court, however, things haven’t quite followed the same path.
For that, you have to ask Luka Doncic.
Doncic demands more
Doncic has taken control of the franchise since the passing of the torch from LeBron James last summer, with the goal of maximizing his chances of winning an NBA championship. He came close with the Dallas Mavericks, reaching the Finals two years ago, but fell short. Now the question is whether he can achieve it in Los Angeles. The Lakers have put themselves at his service, but to what extent? When it comes to the most critical aspect - signings that would properly support him - the change hasn’t arrived yet. That’s why he’s starting to turn up the pressure.
Doncic is spending the offseason caring for his two daughters while navigating a legal custody battle, after recently appearing in promotional events in Madrid. Still, given what’s at stake, he hasn’t taken his eyes off what’s happening within the organization.
Rob Pelinka, under scrutiny for failing to meet the team’s sporting needs and elevate the Lakers back to their 2020 level, faces crucial days ahead. First, he’ll look to land a major trade that could shake up the league. If that doesn’t materialize, he’ll need to be aggressive in the opening days of free agency and convince top available players to come aboard.
Doncic also understands that much of what can be done, and what will happen moving forward, depends on LeBron. Decisions surrounding the King from Akron, now a free agent with no apparent intention of retiring, will dictate the team’s direction.
According to ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, there are still more questions than answers. 2026 was supposed to be the year of a major overhaul, not just in ownership, but especially on the basketball side.
“Luka wants to be a championship team yesterday. Ever since the trade, they’ve always told us: summer of ’26. We’ll show you in the summer of ’26. So, we are so excited that the summer of 2026 is here,” said someone close to the player, with more than a hint of irony. Valuable time has already been lost, time in which yet another franchise lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Luka Dončić wants the Lakers to acquire an A-list center and build a championship-caliber team around him as soon as possible, per @mcten
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2026
The Lakers have been telling Luka since acquiring him that they planned to go all-in during the summer of 2026 — and that time has arrived… pic.twitter.com/tr1hacc5Fh
“The first and main priority is an elite center,” the same source added. That’s been the case from the beginning. The Lakers tried for Mark Williams. The trade fell through. They pursued Deandre Ayton. A major disappointment. That remains the path forward.
One example illustrates the dynamic: Jaxson Hayes, Doncic’s teammate, has just secured eligibility to play for Slovenia internationally. When Luka wants someone, he really wants them. In that sense, McMenamin mentions Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler as potential “A-list” big men who would fit perfectly.
The Lakers have done their “due diligence” on Jalen Duren, Dave McMenamin reports 👀
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) June 19, 2026
This comes after Luka Doncic recently says he wants shooters and a big man he can run pick-and-rolls with:
“I think mainly shooters and a big man who can run the pick-and-roll and jump so I… pic.twitter.com/8M9HXGzHY0
The rest of the Lakers
Attention also turns to LeBron James and Austin Reaves. How much of a pay cut would LeBron take? Rumors point to Golden State Warriors as a possible destination, with a $15.1 million mid-level exception that carries no tax burden. If the Lakers exceed that figure, they could retain one of the greatest players in history, who turns 42 later this year, at a significantly reduced salary. Meanwhile, a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers remains on the horizon. His agent, Rich Paul, recently stated that a dozen teams have shown interest.
What about Reaves? The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement favors players staying with their current teams. With the Lakers, he could sign a five-year, $241 million extension, compared to a maximum of $179 million over four years elsewhere, assuming he doesn’t opt out and enter free agency. That decision could shape everything.
Beyond that, the Lakers will try to retain Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, valuable contributors at the guard position. Jarred Vanderbilt is a trade candidate due to his $12+ million annual salary. And there’s still uncertainty surrounding Rui Hachimura, who is on an expiring contract and may not be an ideal fit for coach JJ Redick.
It’s shaping up to be a scorching summer in Los Angeles, and Doncic is watching closely.
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