'The Guy That Brought Championships:' Luka Dončić Doesn’t Mince Words on What He Hopes to Be Known for With Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers point-forward Luka Dončić is one of the best players in the NBA. He’s a five-time All-Star who has already made five All-NBA First Teams.

However, Dončić has yet to win a championship. He made the NBA Finals in 2024 with the Dallas Mavericks, who lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.

In a video released by the Lakers on Saturday called “Luka Dončić: Born to Compete, Destined to Dominate,” Dončić was asked how he wants to be known as a Laker and the 26-year-old didn’t mince words.

“The guy that brought championships to the city, for sure,” Dončić said.

The Lakers were the third seed in the West last season. They were projected to compete for the title since they had Dončić and LeBron James.

However, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat Los Angeles in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games.

The Lakers signed Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia this offseason in free agency. However, they lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets. Dončić and Finney-Smith are close friends. They were teammates on the Mavericks.

Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick is expected to start Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, James and Ayton next season.

The Lakers haven’t won a championship since 2020. They are second in NBA history with 17 titles. Only the Celtics (18) have won more.

Dončić can sign an extension with Los Angeles on August 2 for as much as four years and $229 million. The future Hall of Famer can also agree to a two-year extension to get him to 10 years of service in the offseason of 2028 and then sign a five-year max contract at 35% of the salary cap to maximize his earnings.

Dončić has career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 450 games with the Mavericks and Lakers. He has reportedly lost weight this offseason.