Luka Doncic, New Owner Mark Walter Reportedly in Constant Contact About Lakers’ Off-Season Plans
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The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a pivotal 2026 summer, and star guard Luka Doncic is already working closely with the organization’s new majority owner, Mark Walter. According to league sources cited by Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Doncic and Walter have maintained “regular” communication as the franchise prepares to reshape the roster.
Walter, overseeing his first off-season since purchasing controlling interest in the team, has substantial salary-cap space and multiple roster spots available. This marks the Lakers’ initial full opportunity to construct a lineup tailored to Doncic’s style of play.
Coordination between ownership and marquee talent mirrors previous successful Lakers partnerships. In 2019, owner Jeanie Buss and LeBron James aligned on the trade for Anthony Davis, a move that led to the 2020 NBA championship. Doncic experienced a similar dynamic with the Dallas Mavericks when they advanced to the 2024 NBA Finals.
Redick Calls for Roster Upgrades
Head coach JJ Redick underscored the urgency after Los Angeles fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in four games during the Western Conference semifinals. “That’s what we gotta figure out this off-season,” Redick said, acknowledging that significant improvements are necessary to compete with Oklahoma City and the San Antonio Spurs.
Redick praised his players for developing “championship habits” during the season but emphasized that the current group remains short of true title contention.
With ownership, coaching staff, and franchise cornerstone Doncic aligned, the Lakers now turn to free agency and potential trades in hopes of engineering a roster capable of returning to the NBA Finals.
Source: Lakers Nation
