Luka Doncic Outlines Ideal Teammates for Lakers’ Off-Season Plans
luka-doncic-says-lakers-need-shooters-and-lob-threat-big-man
Luka Doncic says the Los Angeles Lakers must prioritize shooters and an athletic pick-and-roll center as they reshape the roster this summer.
Speaking in Madrid on June 16 during his European Jordan Brand tour, the 27-year-old guard told YouTube channel Drafteados that spacing and a rim-running big man would ease defensive pressure on him.
“I think mainly shooters and a big man who can run the pick-and-roll and jump so I can pass to him,” Doncic said in comments translated by the X account Luka Updates. “If I have shooters, they won’t double me as much and it helps me out.”
Doncic’s formula mirrors the lineups that elevated his play with the Dallas Mavericks, where he connected with centers Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, and more recently with Jaxson Hayes in Los Angeles. The Lakers hold significant salary-cap space and multiple trade assets after three relatively quiet transaction cycles.
General manager Rob Pelinka is expected to target a starting center and two-way wings when free agency opens. Former Laker Danny Green echoed Doncic’s view during a recent appearance on ESPN LA radio, calling for “defense and shooters” alongside a “good quality big man that can rebound.”
The Lakers acquired Doncic in a blockbuster deal last season, resetting the franchise around the four-time All-NBA guard. Front-office decisions in the coming weeks will determine how quickly Los Angeles can assemble the complementary pieces Doncic is requesting.
Source: LakersNation.com
