Luka Doncic Turns Page After Shock Trade, Commits to Lakers’ Future.

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Liam Pericon | Aug 6, 2025 | 2:54 PM |

Luka Doncic’s midseason move from Dallas to Los Angeles stunned the NBA. Six months later, the shock has been replaced with certainty, as the 26-year-old guard signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers on the first day he was eligible.

Doncic’s manager, Lara Beth Seager, said the focus is now entirely forward.

“He’s moved on,” Seager told The Athletic. “He wants to win, and he knows it starts with him.”

That commitment has shown in his offseason work. Doncic dropped noticeable weight and sharpened his conditioning, changes sparked by a Christmas Day calf injury that sidelined him for seven weeks and limited his first months in L.A.

“Obviously, be the best that I can be, take care of myself,” Doncic says to Mens Health Magazine . “This year, with my team, I think we did a huge step. But this is just the start, you know. I need to keep going. Can’t stop.”

When the trade happened, Doncic imagined he might finish his career in Dallas. The deal was a reminder that no player is truly untouchable. Some questioned whether he would sign long-term in Los Angeles, but that was answered quickly with the extension on August 2nd, 2025.

Seager likened his relationship with the Lakers to a marriage, built on loyalty through highs and lows.

“His mindset is to build where he is and to work together,” she said.

The Lakers have started to retool around their new star, adding center Deandre Ayton, shooter Jake LaRavia, and defensive guard Marcus Smart. Doncic believes the group can contend right away, though more additions could come.

Rick Carlisle recently questioned whether loading up on multiple superstars is still the best model, pointing to Indiana’s Finals run on the strength of depth and effort. It’s a philosophy that could fit the Lakers as they shape the roster around Doncic.

For now, the focus is on the season ahead. “People can think and say whatever they want,” Doncic said. “I’m gonna show them who I am.”