The Los Angeles Lakers did not win 17 championships through any sort of fluke. The franchise has regularly been a model of excellence in the NBA and now it is up to Luka Doncic to continue that. This was a part of the message that Magic Johnson shared with the Lakers superstar.
During an appearance on ESPN's Get Up, the greatest point guard in Lakers history acknowledged the hard work on display from Doncic this offseason with regard to his fitness regime. Magic let Luka know that franchise players in Los Angeles are held to a higher standard.
"Luka, it's great what you did in Dallas, but the difference is, in Los Angeles, we expect championships," Johnson said. "We expect our superstars to lead us to a championship. LeBron [James] already did that. Now we want Luka to do the same thing."
The Lakers' all-time great admitted it will take more than just Doncic getting into shape and guiding the way. Rob Pelinka needs to do his part too. However, there is no doubt that under the massive spotlight in Hollywood, Doncic will be expected to deliver.
Doncic's get out of jail free card will quickly expire
Doncic's first season in Los Angeles will receive a pass for a multitude of reasons. For one, the Lakers roster was far from perfect following the midseason shakeup. Johnson acknowledged as much.
It is also rare to see an in-season trade directly lead to a championship during the same campaign. James thought the Lakers could overcome that pattern. However, they wound up in the same position as countless other franchises.
This deal also carried a heavy emotional baggage for Doncic. The unexpected exit from the Dallas Mavericks clearly took its toll.
On top of all that, the superstar point guard was clearly hindered by the multiple injuries suffered in the 2024-25 NBA season. All of this forced Doncic to adjust to a brand-new environment under the least ideal of circumstances.
Luka earned well-deserved forgiveness for the unfortunate circumstances under which the 2025 NBA Playoffs ended for the Lakers. There will only be so many of those passes afforded to him from here on out.
If Pelinka positions the Lakers to properly compete for a championship, with Doncic as the team's leader, the pressure and expectations will be enormous for Luka's first full season with the team. This is especially true considering how unforgiving the media landscape in Los Angeles can be.
No one doubts the ability of a top five player in the world, especially one that has already led his team to the NBA Finals once. However, it is exactly those same reasons that will work towards shining a massive spotlight on Doncic in 2025-26.