Luka Doncic has set a clear and uncompromising expectation for the Los Angeles Lakers’ upcoming season, stating that the team’s goal is an NBA championship. Speaking at the team’s Media Day on September 28, 2026, the Slovenian superstar emphasized that “if that’s not your goal I don’t know what you’re doing here.”
Championship Ambitions and Daily Accountability
During the Lakers’ media event at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California, Doncic addressed the roster’s potential and his personal outlook. “Realistically, I would say championship because if that’s not your goal I don’t know what you’re doing here,” Doncic said. He stressed that beyond the ultimate goal of winning, the team must maintain a culture of constant improvement, adding, “I would like everybody, including me, to know come every day, to learn something new to try to be competitive and to try to give everything every day.”
Doncic’s commitment to the franchise extends beyond his verbal statements. In a personal essay titled “To Win It All: On Basketball and Belonging,” he reflected on his tenure in Los Angeles, noting that playing for the Lakers was an unexpected but welcome development in his career. “I would never have imagined being here, with these colors,” Doncic wrote. “Now I want what all Lakers want: to win it all. I won’t stop until we bring more titles.”
Physical Condition and Offseason Recovery
The season arrives after a rare summer of rest for the perennial All-Star. Doncic noted that skipping international competition with the Slovenian national team provided him with a necessary window for recovery. “I feel great,” he told reporters. “It’s the first time in a long time that I haven’t had the national team, so I was able to rest a bit more. Mentally and physically, I am in great shape.”
This physical readiness is critical for a Lakers squad that underwent significant roster adjustments during the offseason. The team acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, a move intended to make up for Doncic’s defensive flaws.
Statistical Context and MVP Aspirations
Doncic enters the season coming off a highly productive 2025-26 campaign, where he averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists across 64 games. His efficiency remained a standout factor, as he shot 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range. These performances earned him a spot on the All-NBA First Team and a fourth-place finish in the league’s MVP voting.
While Doncic has acknowledged his desire to win an MVP award, he remains focused on the team’s success as the primary driver for individual honors. “MVP, obviously I would like to have that one day, but that doesn’t come if the team’s not good,” he noted. Betting markets currently list Doncic among the top contenders for the award, though he faces stiff competition from players such as Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic.
Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
The Lakers’ roster construction has shifted significantly, with the team moving toward a system designed to maximize Doncic’s style. Alongside the addition of Kessler, the team continues to rely on the offensive contributions of Austin Reaves, who averaged 23.3 points per game last season. Despite the departure of key veterans from previous years, Doncic has expressed confidence in the current lineup’s ability to compete in a challenging Western Conference, where teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs are viewed as the class of the West.
The Lakers are scheduled to begin their regular season campaign following the conclusion of the preseason training camp. As the team prepares for the opening tip-off, the focus remains on integrating new personnel and ensuring Doncic’s high-usage role translates into consistent team performance and a favorable seed in the Western Conference standings.
