This summer is another important one for Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, as he is tasked with building around a new star and franchise face in Luka Doncic.
However, Pelinka is in an interesting position due to LeBron James’ presumed return for his 23rd season. The front office needs to find a balance between acquiring pieces to accompany Doncic for years to come and meshing with James in the short term.
Despite an upcoming offseason filled with crucial decisions, NBA legend Dominque Wilkins believes that the Lakers are ‘definitely’ Doncic’s team, regardless of James being in the picture, via Kyle Odegard of Esports Insider:
“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.”
When talking about his initial feelings about the trade, Wilkins expressed the same reaction as everyone else:
“Like everybody across the world, I was shocked. Luka, 25 years old and one of the top five or six players in the league. You trade a player like that? That’s a tough one to digest. Everybody was shocked, and maybe there was something there we don’t know. Who knows? But wherever he plays, they are going to be a team that has a chance.”
The sentiment that Wilkins shared is the mentality Pelinka needs to have. But again, he also needs to walk that line of putting together a roster sustainable for Doncic’s future and winning now with James.
Both of L.A.’s stars share the same mindset of wanting to win a championship but also build something sustainable, which is the goal this offseason. No years should be wasted, especially when trying to convince Doncic to extend long-term this summer.
Nonetheless, Pelinka possesses more of a runway to build a winning roster with a 26-year-old star in comparison to a 40-year-old who is likely to play one to two more seasons. Wilkins is right on the money with his thoughts on the Lakers and time will tell how Pelinka handles these circumstances.
LeBron James on what makes Luka Doncic so special
Before their partnership, Luka Doncic and LeBron James shared a mutual respect. As James watched Doncic grow as a young star, he routinely called out how special he is.
Now, the Slovenian guard is a Laker and will be handed the keys of the franchise when James retires. Through 28 games in the purple and gold, fans saw what Luka Magic is like and the four-time champion recently noted what makes Doncic so special.
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