The timing of sharing the following sentiment may feel a little odd, given the Los Angeles Lakers just lost their third game in a row against the Orlando Magic. However, one brief losing streak will not dissuade the larger idea at play here. As such, the sentiment remains the same: Luka Doncic has an opportunity to ascend to the top of the NBA totem pole in Los Angeles.
When the Dallas Mavericks traded Doncic to the Lakers, everyone was captivated by the shock of the moment, and rightfully so. With some time removed from that instance, and the promising early returns on Luka's time in Los Angeles, there is an elephant in the room that needs to be discussed.
Doncic can step into the role of being the new face of the NBA
It is no secret that the NBA has been looking for someone to step in and fill the shoes of LeBron James as the all-time great approaches retirement. James, himself, has discussed some of the potential reasons why no one has emerged to take his role at the top.
Bill Simmons recently went on his podcast to discuss how Doncic already belongs to Los Angeles, providing the fans and arena with an energy that the building has not seen since the Kobe Bryant days. The five-time All-NBA member has quickly associated himself with Bryant in a multitude of ways.
What is the ceiling on the marriage between Doncic and the Lakers? Simmons believed it could be as high as the NBA having their heir apparent to James.
"It goes beyond the fact that they fleeced Dallas. ... This guy has a chance to be Kobe for these guys," Simmons said on his podcast.
Simmons continued, "Luka, what's sitting at stake now for him is not only can he become the face of the league. Earlier in the year, we're talking about face of the league, face of the league. This is it."
With other rising stars like Anthony Edwards not necessarily wanting the title in discussion, Victor Wembanyama temporarily removed from the race due to a significant injury, and Jayson Tatum not quite having the 'it' factor, Simmons is right. The perfect storm is here for Doncic to grab mantle as face of the league.
The Slovenian superstar is not only incredibly entertaining, but extremely overqualified for the position. Doncic had a LeBron-like ascent to elite status in the NBA, quickly establishing himself as one of the best players in the league while still being quite young.
Many have wondered why Adam Silver and company did not push him as the next face of the NBA immediately after the early success in his career. Doncic has the swagger, the talent, and now he adds an extremely marketable environment.
The opportunity for both Luka and the league is obvious. The next couple of years should shape whether that is the path which will be followed.
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