Former All-Star Is Glad Luka Doncic Committed To The Lakers

Every Lakers fan should be pleased with what they are seeing from Doncic, as he is the present and future of the franchise. LeBron James is in his 40s, so he will likely exit the sport soon. Securing Doncic's services for the long-term future is a great move.

As a former Laker-turned-fan, two-time champion Pau Gasol has regularly stayed up to date with the team. He has also watched the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks from time to time to show his love for the city. During a Sparks game, he expressed his elation with Doncic's long-term commitment to the franchise.

Gasol Loves That Doncic Is Staying With The Lakers

Since the Lakers are always one of the teams that the NBA is centered on, having a superstar player is necessary. They have a long list of superstars, with Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James in that special group.

Talent-wise, Doncic could hang with those players, which is a good sign for the franchise's long-term future. He is a superstar who can score 30+ points every night, while creating for his teammates. There are some holes in his defensive game, but the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to Doncic.

That is why Gasol is in love with the idea that the Slovenian guard is sticking around Hollywood for a long time. Gasol has experience of being part of a winning team in LA, so he is ecstatic with the development.

"It’s great. Obviously, we were all thrilled, shocked, and excited last season when the trade happened," Gasol said at an LA Sparks game. "It’s great to have Luka in a Lakers uniform and having the anchor for the next many years to come."

"Super excited about the team, seeing how we can take advantage of the team right now and try to have another run at it."

The Lakers Have A Bright Future With Doncic

Doncic is spearheading the Lakers for the 2025-26 season and beyond. That is not a shot at LeBron James, who has been a rock-solid player for the Lakers since 2018. However, he is getting older, so it is valid to build around another superstar.

The team is already being built with Doncic in mind, as they are getting more defensive-minded players around him. The Slovenian guard will have the ball in his hands most of the time, so shooters and rim-runners are crucial to what they need moving forward.

James can still be part of the plan, but Doncic is the centerpiece. Coach JJ Redick should also be aware of this, as he must develop a system that capitalizes on a player's strengths. This Lakers team will go as far as Doncic takes them, and that will be the case for the long-term future.