Luka Doncic says he aims to bring greatness to Los Angeles like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James

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Luka Doncic says he aims to bring greatness to Los Angeles like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James

When the Lakers made a roster-changing move to acquire Luka Doncic and subsequently signed him to a long-term extension, they didn't just acquire a superstar, they also bet on their next championship leader.

Doncic has made it clear that he intends to live up to the standards set by the idols who came before him.

Even before his first official game in purple and gold, expectations were exceeded for the former Dallas star.

The 26-year-old Doncic is in his prime, entering the season with a fresh mindset and undergoing what many within the organization call the best physical transformation of his career.

Recently, he hasn't shied away from discussing the legacy he hopes to build.

Two Los Angeles icons. 👀

Snoop Dogg joins forces with Luka Doncic to talk all things Lakers @accesshollywood! pic.twitter.com/aCyexSPTR7

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) November 24, 2025

“Kobe brought so many championships here,” Doncic said, via Access Hollywood. “LeBron brought a championship here. So I definitely want to be the next guy to do that. I met Kobe, I played with LeBron, and like a little kid in Slovenia, I just wanted to play basketball. Just wanted to be exposed to the NBA. Now I'm playing with the best.”

Those words reflect a player fully aware of the weight Los Angeles carries and fully embracing it.

Although many analysts were skeptical about the new season, Doncic has led the Lakers to a 12-4 start, keeping them at the top of the Western Conference and positioning them as legitimate contenders as LeBron James reintegrates into the lineup.

Doncic has already reached one NBA Finals in his career during his time in Dallas, but winning a championship is clearly his motivation now.

The similarities are hard to ignore: Kobe Bryant and LeBron James both won championships in Los Angeles within four years of joining the team. Doncic is determined to follow the same path.