Luka Doncic Drops Championship Warning as New-Look Lakers Send Chilling Message to NBA

· Yahoo Sports

Luka Doncic feels confident about the new-look Los Angeles Lakers. This offseason, the Lakers were active in the free-agent market after they lost LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart. The team added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle, Jaden Hardy, and Ziaire Williams.

Fans have yet to see how the team will perform. However, the Slovenian star feels strongly about what the Lakers can achieve next season. Doncic believes they have what it takes to be a threat in the Western Conference and be a championship-level team.

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He spoke to The Athletic’s Marc Jacobs on Tuesday and expressed his thoughts on the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77, middle) reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

“I think we’re really good. We added a lot of talent, and I honestly believe we have everything we need to compete at the highest level,” Doncic said. “We’re not putting this group together just to have a good season — the goal is to win a championship. I feel like we have the players to do it, and honestly, I think it’s going to be hard for a team to beat us four times. Now it’s on us to go out there and prove it.”

Luka Doncic will be the team’s go-to star moving forward. The Lakers have shifted their focus to the six-time All-Star after James moved on and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. With the European celebrity serving as the franchise’s face, LA feels that a new era is beginning.

Charles Barkley’s Honest Thoughts on Luka Doncic’s Lakers Team

After several player movements this offseason, many experts have predicted which teams could make a serious case for contending for a title. The Philadelphia 76ers, the New York Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder have been considered favorites to win the chip.

Luka Doncic and the Lakers, meanwhile, aren’t viewed as a potential threat. Former NBA star Charles Barkley spoke highly of LA and believes they are being underrated heading into the new campaign.

“I really want to see the Lakers do well,” the 11-time All-Star said. “First of all, I’m a big Luka fan, a big Austin Reaves fan. I think they’re gonna be better than people realize. Luka and Kyrie took the Mavs to the Finals, come on, man. This team is probably better; this team is probably just as good as that team.”

The Lakers may have a different roster, but they still have Doncic. They might surprise the league before the upcoming season with the six-time All-NBA.

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