For the Lakers, they now find themselves on the verge of an exciting new chapter. They’re determined, against most conventional wisdom, to build an honest-to-goodness championship contender around Luka Doncic. The 26-year-old superstar, who signed a contract extension a couple of weeks ago, is hoping to bring the “Showtime” Lakers their 18th banner. Doncic’s ball-navigating skills are virtually second to none off the bounce, particularly in pick-and-roll scenarios. His ability to help dunks creates a different rhythm in L.A.’s roster. Yet the difficulties of roster building and salary cap limits provide obstacles as well as an opening for the team.
Doncic ranks second in assisted dunks per 100 possessions since entering the league, behind just Trae Young. This statistic highlights just how special his playmaking is, especially when given the ability to operate to a second side with a rim-running center. Just as the Lakers are looking at different potential roster building strategies, fitting players around Doncic will ultimately decide how far he carries them.
Despite his young age and brilliance on the court, Doncic’s immediate future with the Lakers hinges on strategic management from the front office. General Manager Rob Pelinka has said that they want to honor Doncic’s timeline, which is making a championship-caliber team as quickly as possible. Los Angeles clearly needs to build around Doncic and not make the same mistakes it made with its current roster.
Doncic’s Unique Skills and Team Dynamics
Luka Doncic is elite in the pick-and-roll, as he highlighted above with his ball-handling and play-making ability to create scoring opportunities. His favorite kind of lobbing requires getting an elite lob threat big man that can finish those plays. The Lakers face a difficult dilemma at the center position. They want to put Luka Doncic’s magic alongside a banana boat’s worth of elite All-Star caliber players.
A scout commented on Doncic’s playing style, noting, “Unless he’s going to play without the ball,” which emphasizes the need for the Lakers to surround him with complementary pieces. Determining the right pieces to build around him will be key to maximizing Doncic’s greatness. It is important to make sure to add rim-running bigs and switchable 3-and-D forwards.
Plus, Doncic has shown he can coexist with another top-tier playmaker. This flexibility creates new and interesting formations and lineup constructions. Because a player like that doesn’t have identifiable “traditional” roles, like a 3-point shooter or a rim-running center. Expect Pelinka’s strategy to be all about pursuing players who can compliment Doncic. This is the best way we can provide him the environment he needs to continue to thrive.
Cap Space and Trade Considerations
The Lakers would have strict limitations as far as trades would go, potentially making it tough to construct a competitive squad around Doncic. By 2027 they’re projected to be upwards of $100 million in cap space. Such massive cap flexibility will give them the opportunity to play in free agency and on the trade market, boosting their own roster.
Pelinka has suggested they are still willing to make moves for players like Grayson Allen or Sam Hauser without major dealings. These players potentially address the most pressing needs on the team. They allow the Lakers to maintain their financial flexibility and optionality for bigger moves in the future.
Finding the right players to build around Doncic will call for some deft moves in the trade market as well as smart signing in free agency. These moves are no easy task. Replacing a high-caliber big man won’t be easy, particularly considering how unique a talent he is in the increasingly competitive landscape of the NBA.
The Future of the Lakers and Doncic’s Aspirations
With Luka Doncic’s extension now signed, the most important piece of business for each of the next few summers has been taken care of. His youth is no substitute for patience. He wants a competitive club that can compete for championships in the near future. The onus is now on Pelinka and the rest of the Lakers’ front office to build a championship roster around him.
Pelinka acknowledged the importance of respecting Doncic’s wishes regarding his career trajectory, stating, “We want to respect his ability to come up with his timetable on that.” Specifics such as ensuring Doncic retires a Laker were noted by the General Manager. He thinks it would yield the best possible outcome for Doncic and team.
“As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted about team dynamics under the current collective bargaining agreement, ‘The mechanism was very clear: We are trying to give incumbent teams an advantage to draft, develop and keep players.’ All of this context makes it even more significant that the Lakers are going to be able to retain and develop talent around Doncic.”
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