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The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be active this offseason building a championship roster around Luka Dončić, and the superstar guard has now revealed exactly what he wants the front office to prioritize.
Speaking during Jordan Brand's "The One" event in Madrid, Dončić was asked what type of teammates best complement his game. His answer offered a straightforward blueprint for Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
"I think mainly shooters and a big man who can run the pick-and-roll and jump so I can pass to him," Dončić said.
"If I have shooters, they won’t double me as much, and it helps me out. I think I always need shooters around me because I usually get double-teamed a lot, so I think I need shooters—and some centers who can jump high and block shots."
The comments come at a crucial time for L.A., which is looking to improve its roster after falling short of championship expectations last season.
Although the Lakers finished fourth in the Western Conference and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, Dončić made it clear that anything less than a title is a disappointment.
His desire for more shooting and an athletic center aligns perfectly with the style of basketball that has made him one of the NBA's elite offensive players. Dončić consistently commands double teams because of his ability to score from all three levels and create opportunities for teammates.
Luka Doncic (77) walks across the court during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
Reliable shooters on the perimeter give Dončić a reliable option, as he is extremely elite at finding the open man without needing an extra pass.
A rim-running center who can catch lobs, finish above the rim and protect the paint would create another dangerous weapon in the pick-and-roll.
It's a formula that has worked throughout Dončić's career.
During his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, he developed strong chemistry with athletic big men such as Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, using his elite passing ability to generate easy baskets around the rim.
Luka Doncic (77) goes up for a dunk in the final minutes of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena.
He also showed flashes of similar success with Jaxson Hayes after arriving in L.A.
The Lakers' need for frontcourt help has been widely discussed since the end of the season.
While Dončić and Austin Reaves form one of the league's most dynamic offensive backcourts, L.A. still lacks a long-term answer at center who can both anchor the defense and thrive offensively alongside its franchise star.
Luka Doncic (77) reacts with guard Austin Reaves (15) after scoring a game winning shot during overtime against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
Pelinka and the front office have already been linked to multiple centers as they explore ways to improve the roster, and Dončić's comments only reinforce the importance of finding the right fit.
For a player who has consistently elevated teammates throughout his career, the blueprint is simple.
Surround him with knockdown shooters to create spacing and an athletic shot-blocking center who can excel in the pick-and-roll, and the Lakers may be able to maximize Dončić's talents while taking another step toward championship contention.
With free agency and trade season approaching, it will be worth watching whether L.A. can deliver the supporting cast its superstar believes is necessary to compete for another NBA title.
Continue reading...
Speaking during Jordan Brand's "The One" event in Madrid, Dončić was asked what type of teammates best complement his game. His answer offered a straightforward blueprint for Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
"I think mainly shooters and a big man who can run the pick-and-roll and jump so I can pass to him," Dončić said.
"If I have shooters, they won’t double me as much, and it helps me out. I think I always need shooters around me because I usually get double-teamed a lot, so I think I need shooters—and some centers who can jump high and block shots."
The comments come at a crucial time for L.A., which is looking to improve its roster after falling short of championship expectations last season.
Although the Lakers finished fourth in the Western Conference and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, Dončić made it clear that anything less than a title is a disappointment.
His desire for more shooting and an athletic center aligns perfectly with the style of basketball that has made him one of the NBA's elite offensive players. Dončić consistently commands double teams because of his ability to score from all three levels and create opportunities for teammates.
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Luka Doncic (77) walks across the court during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
Why These Options Work Well
Reliable shooters on the perimeter give Dončić a reliable option, as he is extremely elite at finding the open man without needing an extra pass.
A rim-running center who can catch lobs, finish above the rim and protect the paint would create another dangerous weapon in the pick-and-roll.
It's a formula that has worked throughout Dončić's career.
During his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, he developed strong chemistry with athletic big men such as Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, using his elite passing ability to generate easy baskets around the rim.
You must be registered for see images attach
Luka Doncic (77) goes up for a dunk in the final minutes of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena.
He also showed flashes of similar success with Jaxson Hayes after arriving in L.A.
The Lakers' need for frontcourt help has been widely discussed since the end of the season.
While Dončić and Austin Reaves form one of the league's most dynamic offensive backcourts, L.A. still lacks a long-term answer at center who can both anchor the defense and thrive offensively alongside its franchise star.
You must be registered for see images attach
Luka Doncic (77) reacts with guard Austin Reaves (15) after scoring a game winning shot during overtime against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
Ways of Upgrade at Center
Pelinka and the front office have already been linked to multiple centers as they explore ways to improve the roster, and Dončić's comments only reinforce the importance of finding the right fit.
For a player who has consistently elevated teammates throughout his career, the blueprint is simple.
Surround him with knockdown shooters to create spacing and an athletic shot-blocking center who can excel in the pick-and-roll, and the Lakers may be able to maximize Dončić's talents while taking another step toward championship contention.
With free agency and trade season approaching, it will be worth watching whether L.A. can deliver the supporting cast its superstar believes is necessary to compete for another NBA title.
Continue reading...
