Luka Dončić Embraces New Role as Lakers' Star and NBA Face

Luka Dončić enters his third season with the Los Angeles Lakers as the unquestioned star and leader following LeBron James' departure. Coming off a 2025-26 scoring title averaging 33.5 points per game, Dončić is ready for the new challenge. General manager Rob Pelinka surrounded him with a strengthened roster, trading for Walker Kessler and re-signing Austin Reaves to a $185-million contract. Dončić now eyes an NBA championship and his first regular-season MVP award.