The Los Angeles Lakers have secured Luka Doncic with a three-year contract extension, officially making him the centerpiece of the franchise. Entering the new NBA season, Doncic is confronting some of the highest expectations of his career, as the Lakers and their fans anticipate a significant competitive leap.

The extraordinary pressure on Luka Doncic in Los Angeles

Insider Michael Piña highlighted that Doncic is under an intense level of pressure heading into the upcoming season. As the focal point of a historic organization transitioning from one legendary player to another, the stakes for Doncic are unprecedented.

The pressure on Doncic is unlike what anyone else in the league is facing. Players with his potential can’t afford to spend two straight years in competitive irrelevance. The historical stakes are too high, especially now that he’s the central focus of a storied organization that’s awkwardly pivoting from one future first-ballot Hall of Famer to the next.

—Michael Piña, Insider

Last season, the Lakers finished as the third seed in the Western Conference but were eliminated in the first playoff round by Minnesota. Doncic’s defensive struggles were a significant talking point this offseason, prompting him to improve his conditioning in hopes of better guarding opponents throughout the season.

Meeting the Lakers’ expectations for performance and durability

While Luka Doncic is known for his elite scoring ability and playmaking skills, questions remain about his defense and stamina as the postseason approaches. Maintaining peak physical condition for the full season is critical, particularly after injuries slowed him down during the previous year.

Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has averaged impressive numbers, including 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from three-point range. The challenge for him now is to sustain this level while elevating his defensive impact to meet the club’s championship aspirations.

Implications for the Lakers’ future and upcoming season

Doncic’s role as the Lakers’ franchise player places him at the heart of the team’s push for success in the competitive Western Conference. How he handles the mounting expectations will shape the Lakers’ ability to contend for another championship. The franchise, fans, and analysts alike will be watching closely as Doncic aims to lead this storied team forward in what could be a defining chapter of his career.