Despite bringing in Luka Dončić in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, the Los Angeles Lakers did not accomplish their ultimate goal of winning the franchise’s 18th NBA Championship. Going into their first full year with the Slovenian superstar, the expectations within the organization have to be sky high, especially with the tapes coming out of the EuroBasket tournament, where Dončić was arguably the best overall player.
After years of ridicule for his defense, Dončić showed surprising growth on that side of the ball, in addition to his usual dominance offensively. However, for a Lakers team that has LeBron James’ retirement looming on the horizon, they need more than just the work on the court from their other superstar.
Can Luka Dončić Be the Leader LA Needs?
The team’s president of basketball operations and general manager, Rob Pelinka, believes Dončić is more than ready for the task. He said the Dončić trait that will be most beneficial for the Lakers squad is his leadership.
Already reaping benefits for Slovenia, Real Madrid, and the Mavericks, the former agent of Kobe Bryant believes it is now LA’s turn.
“The thing that probably stood out among many things, for me, is just being able to go and spend some time in practices with his national team,” he began. “His overall leadership tone and how he not only led by example, but he was very demonstrative in the practice in terms of expectations of the team, how they played, their togetherness.”
Rob Pelinka talking about Luka Dončić developing as a leader this summer@SpectrumSN pic.twitter.com/34rpVqIzIg
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) September 25, 2025
For him, that growth was something that could prove to be immensely beneficial for his squad. “Seeing that continued evolution and growth with him as not only a leader by example, but a leader with his voice, really stood out to me. And I think it’s something that’s going to carry into camp this year.”
In his relatively short career, Dončić has already established himself as one of the best players in the league. With five All-NBA appearances to his credit, he is in the thick of the MVP discussion virtually every season.
Additionally, his brilliance has coincided with a ton of team success. Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, he led the franchise to its first playoff series win, its first Conference Finals appearance, and its first Finals appearance in over a decade within seven seasons.
Over the last few years, another narrative haunted the five-time All-Star. Questions about his physique and how it affects his defensive motor have become a major talking point across sports media despite his success elsewhere.
READ MORE: Lakers HC JJ Redick Makes Feelings Clear on Luka Dončić’s Shocking Body Transformation
During the 2025 EuroBasket, the former scoring champion put many doubts to rest. Averaging 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, he put Slovenia on his back. However, the more surprising part of the tournament was his nomination as the best defensive player in the competition.
After falling in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, the team hopes to improve its postseason showing. But as the team’s best player and supposed leader, Dončić will carry a lot of that burden. So far, it looks like he’s up for the task.
But the real test will begin on October 21, 2025, when a new NBA season tips off.
