The Los Angeles Lakers secured Luka Doncic for the next three seasons during the 2024-25 NBA campaign, marking their most significant roster move in years. While this acquisition signals a new chapter for the franchise, the pressing question is whether the Lakers have identified the ideal team formula around Luka to compete for a championship.
Klemen Prepelič, a Slovenian guard and former teammate of Doncic’s on the national team, recently shared his insight into the exact system that allows Luka to thrive. His experience playing alongside Doncic internationally provides a rare perspective on building a successful supporting cast around the star.
Insights from a Former Teammate on Building Around Luka
Prepelič outlined a specific team composition that maximizes Luka Doncic’s impact on the court. He emphasized the need for complementary roles that fit Luka’s playing style rather than general attributes.
“To be honest with Luka, you need one athletic big,”
Prepelič explained.
You need a stretch four. You have [Vlatko] Cancar, which is a great four, and then you need 2–3 who can shoot, create, and be aggressive defensively.”
—Klemen Prepelič, Slovenian Guard
This straightforward but detailed outline highlights why Luka has often excelled when surrounded by such players. Prepelič’s reflections come from seeing this blueprint succeed repeatedly, from international tournaments to NBA moments when Luka’s teammates perform cohesively.
How Slovenia’s Success Could Inspire Lakers’ Strategy
Slovenia’s victories with Luka Doncic at the helm have not been solo efforts; rather, they depended on the right mix of athleticism, shooting, and defensive aggression surrounding him. This balance allowed Luka to direct the offense freely while the team stretched defenses and maintained pressure on both ends.
The Laker organization now faces the challenge of replicating these conditions in the NBA’s more physically demanding environment. Luka’s performance is a transformative asset, but without a carefully constructed roster that fits Prepelič’s formula, the Lakers may struggle to reach their championship ambitions.
Looking Ahead: What the Lakers Must Do Next
As the Lakers build their team around Luka Doncic, the lessons from his former national teammate offer a clear strategy: integrate an athletic center, a versatile stretch-four, and multiple shooters with defensive tenacity. This blueprint is not theoretical—it’s grounded in years of observing Luka’s most successful moments.
The franchise’s ability to assemble this kind of supporting cast will likely determine whether Luka’s arrival redefines the team’s identity in a lasting, championship-caliber way. With the right pieces in place, the Lakers can transform from hopeful contenders into genuine title challengers in the near future.