Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Doncic voiced strong support for the franchise’s summer roster overhaul, calling the new group “a really good team” and saying he is “very excited” to begin the 2026-27 campaign.
Doncic shared his first public thoughts on the offseason moves during a brief interview with the Golf Channel while attending The Open Championship. “Yeah, I think we have a really good team,” he said. “I’m very excited to start a new season. Obviously, the last season didn’t end how we wanted, so I’m very excited for a new one.”
Lakers shift focus after LeBron James era
With LeBron James expected to depart, the Lakers pivoted toward building a younger core around Doncic. The front office consulted the four-time All-NBA guard throughout the process and added several players in their early to mid-20s:
- Center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz
- Wings Quentin Grimes and Jaden Hardy, both former Dallas Mavericks teammates of Doncic
- Guard Collin Sexton
- Forward Ziaire Williams
- Forward Sandro Mamukelashvili
The club also retained Austin Reaves, awarding the guard a near-maximum contract before he could reach free agency.
Kessler provides coveted frontcourt partner
Landing Kessler addressed the Lakers’ search for a young rim-protecting center capable of finishing lobs from Doncic. The 7-footer is expected to anchor the paint, rebound, and occasionally stretch the floor with outside shooting.
Mamukelashvili eager to play alongside Doncic
Mamukelashvili, who grew up in Europe like Doncic, believes the new Lakers centerpiece will simplify the game for him. “You know, Luka and me, we were born in the same year,” the forward said. “I used to always hear a lot about Luka and I grew up seeing how good he was at an early age, so it’s cool to just be his teammate now. I really do think he’s gonna make my life a lot easier.”
The Lakers will open training camp in late September, aiming to integrate their influx of young talent around Doncic as they enter a post-James era.
Source: Lakers Nation
