Pau Gasol ‘Super Excited’ About Lakers’ Season With Luka Doncic Leading the Charge
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Los Angeles, CA — Pau Gasol said he is “super excited” to watch the Los Angeles Lakers begin their first full season with Luka Doncic after the blockbuster trade that brought the Slovenian guard to California at the 2025 deadline.
Sitting courtside at a Los Angeles Sparks game, the Hall of Fame center spoke to Spectrum SportsNet about the organization’s newest headliner. “It’s great to have Luka in a Lakers uniform and having the anchor for the next many years to come,” Gasol said. “Super excited for the team, seeing how we can take advantage of the team right now and try to have another run at it.”
Gasol, whose No. 16 jersey hangs in the Crypto.com Arena rafters, became the franchise’s first European star after a February 2008 trade from the Memphis Grizzlies. He partnered with Kobe Bryant to reach three consecutive NBA Finals from 2008-10, winning titles in 2009 and 2010. Doncic joins him as just the second European player to hold superstar status in purple and gold.
The Lakers stunned the league on Feb. 7, 2025 by acquiring Doncic, instantly extending the club’s championship window. Gasol called the deal “thrilling” and said he expects to be a frequent presence around the team as it pursues more banners.
Doncic Targets First Title, Adds Marcus Smart
Entering the 2025-26 campaign, Doncic arrived at training camp in what he described as the best shape of his career, responding to long-standing criticism of his conditioning in Dallas. He also played recruiter, helping to land three-time All-Defensive guard Marcus Smart after Smart secured a buyout from the Washington Wizards.
Smart credited Doncic’s personal outreach for steering him to Los Angeles. Asked how the addition might impact his own defense, Doncic joked, “We added Marcus, so he’s gonna teach me some things.”
With two European icons now linked to the franchise, Gasol said he is eager to watch Doncic carry the legacy forward as the Lakers chase their next championship.
Source: Lakers Nation
