The Luka Doncic trade was not only a blockbuster trade. It also meant that the Los Angeles Lakers were banking heavily on Doncic for success. Coming to play alongside LeBron James, the expectations from Doncic was to reprieve the Lakers their lost glory. Unfortunately, while the 25-year-old did have a few good games, their hopes of a championship run was cut short. Facing off against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers suffered a harsh defeat to bow out of the season. Now, with a new season approaching, NBA icon Magic Johnson has some straightforward message for the Slovenian star.
In a recent appearance on the ‘Get Up’ show, Johnson could be spotted talking about Doncic. The Lakers’ icon heaped praises on Doncic for his impeccable talents. He also acknowledged how the 25-year-old has helped the Dallas Mavericks reach new heights. However, along with all that, Johnson also stated that now, Doncic needs to up the ante for the Lakers too.
“It’s great what you did in Dallas. But the difference is, in Los Angeles, we expect championships. And we expect our superstars to lead us to a championship. LeBron has already done that. Now we want Luka to do the same thing,” said Johnson.
.@MagicJohnson has a message for Luka Doncic 👀
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 12, 2025
"It's great what you did in Dallas. But the difference is, in Los Angeles, we expect championships. And we expect our superstars to lead us to a championship. LeBron has already done that. Now we want Luka to do the same thing." pic.twitter.com/SQocwLswnw
Now, these words would surely put the pressure back on Doncic. While he was spotted to have allegedly lost weight and back in practice, it will be an uphill task for him to take the Lakers to a championship contention next season. Meanwhile, according to Dominique Wilkins, the Luka Doncic trade has made LeBron James’ role in the team secondary.
Dominique Wilkins Cites Luka Doncic As Lakers’ Main Man
Till now, the Los Angeles Lakers was considered as LeBron James’ team. However, all that has changed the moment Luka Doncic was traded. According to NBA legend Dominique Wilkins, Doncic will now be the one to lead the Lakers. And while James will surely be a part, he will be moving to a secondary role.
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“It’s definitely Luka’s team. A 25-year-old guy compared to a guy who is 40. You should be willing to hand over those ranks to him. I don’t think that’s even a question. I think that’s what the plan is,” said Wilkins.
List of players in NBA history to have a triple-double against all 30 NBA teams
— 𝟐𝟑 👑 (@BronWorld) May 18, 2025
— LeBron James
— Russell Westbrook
— Luka Doncic
Legendary 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oba1S8aJ7N
Thus, with things looking pretty interesting, it remains to be seen what happens next.
