The Luka Doncic era of the Los Angeles Lakers began, unofficially, back in 2025 when the franchise made the shocking trade to land him from the Dallas Mavericks. But it could be argued that this season, 2026-27, is the official start of the Doncic era, as it is unquestionably his team with a roster built entirely around him.
Now, the Lakers will get to see what Doncic brings to the table when a team is suited towards his needs, and less thrown together with his as the centerpiece. Lakers great Michael Cooper, for one, sees a lot of an NBA legend that he used to face off against regularly in Doncic ahead of this new era, via Ryan Ward on Sports Illustrated:
“I think a Larry Bird type of player. Not going to jump real high, not going to be real fast, but knows how to play the game and knows how to score. And I think those are probably a good similarity. I think Larry, well, they’re both pretty good rebounders, and they both make others around. Yeah, I would say Larry Bird.”
Cooper has faith that Doncic can repeat what he did with the Mavericks in 2024, as long as the Lakers have specific archetypes around their Bird-like superstar:
“I do, but he can’t do it alone. He’s going to need some help. And again, in the same way he took that [Dallas] Mavericks team to the NBA Finals, Luka can do that here, but you’re going to need some extra pieces and other players that’s going to step up in the big time.
“And you know what, those lights are bright when you get there, but I think Luka can do it. And with the addition of some other great players around him, I don’t say great players, other good players, good solid players around him, good shooters, good defenders, good people with basketball IQ, yes, we can get a championship from Luka.”
There will be plenty of debate over whether the current iteration of the Lakers is good enough to achieve those heights. But with the greatness of Doncic, it’s easier to just wait until the game begin to make any real determinations. And if he really is a Bird-level player like Cooper suggests, it might be possible.
Lakers hosting Warriors to begin 2026-27 season
The Lakers will begin their 2026-27 campaign with Doncic leading a brand new team against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. The game will take place in downtown L.A. on Wednesday, Oct. 21 — the day after Opening Night — on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. PT.
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