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Luka Doncic Changes Stance on Long-Term Commitment to Los Angeles Lakers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers went out and found the rightful successor to LeBron James’ throne in point guard Luka Doncic.

The team traded forward Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks to acquire the Slovenian star in February, and his messaging since has indicated that his loyalty transferred over to Los Angeles.

It was reported earlier in the summer that Doncic plans on retiring with the Lakers, but a recent statement from the five-time All-Star suggests otherwise. Doncic said on Friday, “I would like to retire at Real Madrid. They raised me.”

This is a quick and stunning change of heart, but it makes sense that he doesn’t feel the same long-term obligation to the Lakers that he held in Dallas.

Luka Doncic says his dream is to retire with Real Madrid:

"They raised me."

(h/t @fullcourtpass) pic.twitter.com/c4S3ZunwxA
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 19, 2025

Doncic’s new desire gets a bit confusing when you consider a recent report that he constantly reiterates to the Lakers front office that he wants to win a championship.

He reached the NBA Finals with the Mavericks the season before he was dealt to Los Angeles, so he knows what it takes to win at the highest level.

The Lakers will probably reload once James retires, but Doncic only has two more seasons at the most to win it all with his current running mate.

The duo thrived together in the regular season, but they were quickly dismantled by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round of the playoffs.

The pairing of James and Doncic was viewed as awkward at best when the deal was first announced, so it was a shock that they complimented each other so well.

Doncic signed an extension with the club this offseason, so he seems to be committed to them for the foreseeable future.

But his statement about retiring with his childhood team will only raise questions about his long-term commitment.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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