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While the Dallas Mavericks are transitioning into a new era with Cooper Flagg now on the roster, Luka Doncic is preparing to settle into his new home with the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Dave McMenamin ESPN, Doncic is still motivated by everything that happened following the Mavericks' shocking decision to trade him to the Lakers in February.
“Doncic remains motivated by how the Dallas Mavericks treated him in the aftermath of the trade and how the Lakers' season ended, and has committed to an offseason training and nutrition program, sources told ESPN,” McMenamin wrote in a recent article.
Doncic now has a full offseason with his new team. In February, he had to immediately make the adjustment to playing for his first franchise other than the Mavericks in the NBA. Doncic displayed signs of his MVP-caliber play in LA, but one has to imagine he will take a step forward after a full offseason of preparation with the Lakers.
The 26-year-old averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He also shot 43.8 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from beyond the arc. Injuries limited Doncic during the 2024-25 season, but he played well while on the floor. When healthy, Luka is an MVP candidate.
The Lakers' outlook is intriguing. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic leading the way, they will likely be a serious contender in 2025-26. LA also needs to think about the future, though. They are beginning the process of building around Doncic while also still trying to compete in the near future.
If Doncic does indeed have extra motivation — which is being reported — he may even take a step forward. Although Doncic is becoming a veteran in the NBA, he still is only 26 years old. Luka could realistically get even better and that is a frightening thought for opposing teams.
