Luka Doncic said that the Los Angeles Lakers have all the ingredients to win an NBA title after signing a three-year, $165 million max extension on Saturday.
“We have what we need to compete for the championship,” Doncic said at a press conference announcing the deal. “I’ll try to win every game no matter what, and we got some new great guys on the team, so you know we’re going to go for it.”
Doncic has committed to an extensive offseason training regimen in Croatia, focusing on strength and conditioning.
Doncic also played an active part in recruiting Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton to the Lakers.
Rob Pelinka called the extension a “monumental moment” in franchise history.
“Six months ago to the day the Los Angeles Lakers chose Luka Doncic through a trade where he came to our franchise,” Pelinka said. “Today, Luka Doncic chose the Los Angeles Lakers, and that is a monumental moment in Lakers history. And we could not be more grateful for you choosing this partnership.
“The best young basketball player in the universe joins for the long-term future, the best sports franchise on the globe.”
Pelinka added that he is open to LeBron James retiring in a Lakers’ jersey depending on how many more seasons James wants to play.