To retain Doncic, Smart, Ayton &, can the Lakers new lineup strive for the championship?

One of the biggest things about the Los Angeles Lakers—that Jenny Buss sold the team, LeBron James' farce, Austin Reeves' refusal to renew the contract, and even more important than getting a starting center—has not happened yet.

Luca Doncic, since the moment Robert Pelinka and the team management got him from the Dallas Mavericks and shocked the entire NBA last February, he has become the current and future face of the Lakers, and he is eligible to sign an early contract renewal with the team on August 3.

Although Doncic hasn't spoken directly about his future with the team this summer - he spent the summer in Europe and completed a revenge transformation - his behind-the-scenes action clearly illustrates why the Lakers are confident in their current situation.

According to league sources, Doncic has conveyed his desire to need a capable down-swing center, help in shooting and support on defense. The Lakers responded by introducing DeAndre Ayton, Jack Laravia (and soon Marcus Smart) to meet these needs.

Welcome home, DeAndre and Jack

- Los Angeles Lakers official push

In addition, league sources said Doncic has been an active recruiter for the Lakers this summer, and he helped the team secure the signing commitment of the two after both Aiton and Smart both entered the free market through a buyout contract. The Lakers also posted an interview with Doncic on Sunday (recorded during the season), and at the end of the interview he said he hoped he could leave a legend with the Lakers, remembered as "the person who brought the championship to the city."

All of this makes the Lakers full of confidence, believing that they agree with Doncic on the plan to build a championship team.

This does not mean that Doncic will patiently wait until next summer or the talented free agent market in 2027 before allowing the Lakers to start strengthening the lineup. Although both Doncic and the Lakers understand that they need long-term flexibility, recent operations have shown on paper their determination to compete in the short term, provided that something can move in a direction that is beneficial to them.

If - when you talk to people about the Lakers' offseason operation, which is a word you often hear - something key can happen, then the chances of a championship in the new season may be greater than what is shown in the quick first round of the playoffs this spring. The arguments that support the Lakers are roughly as follows:

Doncic has been committed to achieving excellent physical condition through a strict diet and training program before the European Basketball Championship and has been rid of most, if not all, negative emotions brought about by that exchange that he never thought would happen.

Reeves and James will have a complete training camp to learn how to best partner with Doncic, and vice versa, the three Lakers' high-ball players will benefit from the time they spend together.

Hachimura Shizuki quietly played his best season in the league on both offense and defense, and his three-point shooting percentage exceeded 40% for the second consecutive season.

Ayton is a huge unknown, but the last time he played with a pick-and-roll master, he was the starting center of the Phoenix Suns who entered the NBA Finals. Entering the contract year, Ayton will have unprecedented economic momentum to maintain sustained investment.

Laravia will gain stable role player playing time around talented players for the first time. The quality of his mobile phone should be greatly improved, and he also has the opportunity to make achievements on the defensive end and rebounds.

Just three seasons ago, Smart was the defensive player of the year, but he has rarely played since. If the Lakers are lucky enough to get Smart out with load relief, then the signing – like getting Ayton and Laravia – has a chance to be a huge value deal.

Perhaps most importantly, the Lakers do not need to give up their 2031 first-round draft pick, Dalton Kneckett or any other limited trading assets when they reach the current situation. Whether the Lakers’ operations are enough to lift them to the Oklahoma City Thunder or to keep up with the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers — teams that have made compelling operations this summer — remains to be seen. However, it seems clear that, at least for now, they have convinced Doncic that a vision he trusts.

By the first weekend of August, Doncic can sign an early contract extension to consolidate all of this.

Author: Dan Woike

Translator: GWayNe