Mychal Thompson, a two-time NBA champion, has called on Luka Doncic to rise and embrace the daunting Lakers legacy this upcoming season. Known for his admiration of Kobe Bryant, Doncic—who now shoulders the hopes of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise—faces a challenge to evolve into an unstoppable force. This demand intensifies as the Lakers prepare for a season marked by high anticipation and increased scrutiny.
Thompson’s push comes amid remarkable changes within the NBA landscape, especially following the blockbuster trade that brought Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. This move transformed long-held notions of player inviolability and has thrust Doncic into one of basketball’s most historic organizations.
The personal stakes behind Thompson’s challenge
The underlying motivation for Thompson’s challenge to Doncic draws on his own family experiences. He had hoped Klay Thompson, his son and a decorated NBA figure himself, would join the Lakers instead of the Golden State Warriors. With Doncic’s transition to the Lakers, Thompson views a new opportunity to channel his guidance and set clear standards, insisting that Doncic must match the physical and mental rigor exemplified by Lakers greats such as Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson.
Despite last season’s collaboration between Doncic and LeBron James, the duo fell short of capturing the championship. As excitement builds around a noticeably fitter Doncic, Thompson remains measured but firm, emphasizing that ambition alone isn’t enough without visible, sustained transformation.
Demanding a transformation rooted in legacy and discipline
Thompson has explicitly voiced his expectations for Doncic’s preparation ahead of training camp in October. He referenced commentary from NBA veteran JJ Redick addressing conditioning needs but emphasized that the directive must be sharp and direct.
“Luka needs to get in Kobe Bryant shape,”
Thompson insisted, reinforcing the physical standards set by Lakers icons.
He underscored that being in top form is non-negotiable and intrinsic to a professional athlete’s role.
“This is your job. This is your build,”
Thompson stated, expressing zero tolerance for excuses. This message highlights the importance of consistent discipline and readiness as central to carrying the Lakers’ mantle forward.
The formidable pressure of the Lakers spotlight
Los Angeles is synonymous with intense expectations and historic achievement, realities that Doncic has acknowledged publicly. Reflecting on the franchise’s illustrious past, Doncic remarked in February,
“You come here, you see all the names, all the trophies. It’s a big motivation to be a part of something this big.”
This awareness appears to have fueled his recent physical development, signaling a commitment to meet the exacting demands of the Lakers culture. Yet Thompson stresses that progress must not be temporary. He voiced strong criticism of any player failing to maintain peak fitness, stating,
“Inexcusable, man. Inexcusable. There’s no reason for an athlete to be out of shape.”
The implication is clear: performance and professionalism are paramount, particularly with significant financial stakes and fan expectations.
Looking ahead: can Luka Doncic meet the Lakers’ challenge?
As the season looms, the basketball world will be watching closely to see if Luka Doncic can fulfill Mychal Thompson’s stringent call to action. If Doncic truly embodies the level of physical conditioning, mental toughness, and competitive spirit demanded by Lakers tradition, he could well redefine the franchise’s future. This evolving story remains a critical focal point for fans and analysts alike as the Lakers seek to reclaim glory.