The Los Angeles Lakers have entered a new era under Luka Doncic, who publicly declared the team’s championship aspirations as the franchise transitions from the LeBron James era. Austin Reaves will share leadership duties with Doncic, forming a dynamic duo to guide a roster featuring five new starters.
At Lakers media day on Monday, Doncic addressed the team’s goals and his readiness to lead. "Realistically I would say championship. Because if that's not your goal, I don't know what you're doing here," he stated. He also acknowledged individual ambitions, noting he hopes to contend for an MVP award while emphasizing team success as the priority.
Doncic’s leadership role follows James’ departure to the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason. "It's a new challenge. I was in this position in my career a lot of times, so obviously it's not new to me," he added. "I feel great. I feel excited. I'm ready to go."
Reaves and Doncic’s Bond Fuels Leadership Transition
The Lakers’ new co-leaders have cultivated a close relationship, which teammates and observers say will help bridge the transition. During a team bonding trip to Slovenia in August, Doncic hosted teammates, including Reaves, in a series of activities where their camaraderie was on display.
Reaves recounted their activities, saying, "We won the rowing, we won the golf, we won bowling." He joked about Doncic’s competitive spirit, adding, "Luka tried to put on a blue shirt when his rowing team lost, which is crazy." Doncic countered with humor, noting he had beaten Reaves in golf days prior, while acknowledging Reaves’ generosity in the match.
Teammate Jake LaRavia described their leadership styles as complementary: "They get along so well that it’s kind of easy for them to co-lead this team — in different ways sometimes. I think sometimes Luka leads by example and we watch him and we watch how he goes about himself. AR can sometimes be a bit more vocal. But I think they both do a great job at what they are good at it when it comes to being leaders for this team."
On-Court Expectations and Last Season’s Challenges
Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season with 33.5 points per game, alongside 8.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists. However, the Lakers’ playoff run was derailed when Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain late in the regular season, causing him to miss the beginning of the postseason.
The Lakers enter training camp with a revamped roster, featuring Doncic, Reaves, Quentin Grimes, Jake LaRavia, and Walker Kessler as projected starters. The team’s identity under its new leadership will be a central storyline as it prepares for the 2024-25 season.