Although the Lakers’ season has come to a premature close, the buzz surrounding Luka Doncic ’s first full year in Los Angeles is already building. The Slovenian superstar, who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks in February, showed no signs of slowing down post-trade, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game—stats nearly identical to his pre-trade production.
Luca Doncic’s return to face his former team is already marked on calendars, as the Lakers are set to clash with the Mavericks during a preseason game this October. It’s a reunion sure to draw eyes as Doncic’s departure came just weeks before Dallas missed the playoffs with a 39-43 record—a low note after their 2024 Finals appearance the previous season.
Despite his on-court dominance, criticism lingers. Media voices have taken aim at Doncic’s conditioning, with ESPN’s Jay Williams bluntly stating he “has the body of a 40-year-old.” Lakers coach JJ Redick, meanwhile, emphasized the need for the team to be in “championship shape” as they look to contend in 2025.
Expect an early season matchup between the Mavericks and Luka Dončić in 2025-26:
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 7, 2025
I'm told that the Lakers and Mavericks are lining up to play a preseason game in Las Vegas in October.
More NBA from me: https://t.co/IIIlAloJCf
And noon CT today on @DLLS_Sports pic.twitter.com/7tUrxDr9DA
With six NBA seasons under his belt, not to mention a high-level European career before that, Doncic is arguably entering his prime. But with scrutiny mounting and questions about his focus growing louder, this upcoming season could define how he’s remembered in the next chapter of his career.
A looming question also surrounds his new teammate-mentor: LeBron James. The 40-year-old Lakers icon has yet to confirm his return, with only a player option remaining on his contract. Whether he opts to re-sign, retire, or test free agency could dramatically shift the tone of Doncic’s Lakers tenure.
