Lakers may rethink approach after Luka Doncic’s EuroBasket run

The Lakers have a new Luka Doncic.

Well, not new exactly, but slimmer, faster, hungrier — and locked in with Los Angeles for the long haul after signing a three-year, $165 million extension earlier this summer.

And after Doncic carried Slovenia on a stunning run to the EuroBasket quarterfinals, the Lakers are rethinking how they approach roster upgrades. That’s the word from The Athletic’s Dan Woike, who reported that Doncic’s body transformation and recent play have nudged the front office toward a more aggressive stance.

One potential target? Miami’s Andrew Wiggins, who wasn’t on the Lakers’ radar a couple months ago. Now, with Doncic in peak form, Wiggins suddenly looks more appealing –assuming the price isn’t absurd.

For now, the Lakers still value their lone future first-rounder, but they could put together packages of expiring contracts and rookie Dalton Knecht if the right opportunity comes along.

Meanwhile, Doncic just finished EuroBasket averaging 34.7 points and over 62 percent on 2-pointers. He looked quicker in the paint, stronger defensively, and very much like a guy ready to push the Lakers from playoff team to true contender.

Bottom line: the Lakers were planning for tomorrow. Doncic is reminding them the time is now.