The Los Angeles Lakers begin the new season with a roster that bears little relation to what they’ve had in recent years. With nine fresh faces, the Redick lineup presents a new image in the first year of the post-LeBron era, faces that heralds the man who is now, indisputably, the franchise’s top superstar. Because, as Luka Dončić stated at the media day, there are many players eager to prove themselves.
“I like all the signings we’ve made,” he admitted. “I think they’re undervalued players. We’ve spent a good amount of time together away from the court, and now I think the training camp will help us a lot. We’ll be able to focus on basketball and get to know each other on the floor. I’m excited to be able to play with them.”
Kessler, the Standout Addition
Yet one of those signings drew more attention than the others. Walker Kessler arrives as the major novelty to fill the void in the Lakers’ paint since Anthony Davis left, and Doncic has highlighted the enormous impact he could have on both ends of the floor.
“I’ve played against him many times, and he’s always been very tough, so I wanted him by my side. The front office wanted him, I wanted him, and the rest of the roster wanted him. His fit with the team is going to be great. He’s obviously a great rim protector, but he’s also improved a lot on offense, and I think he’s going to help us a lot.”
Thus, Luka feels ready to lead a new project in the world’s most high-profile franchise. One in which, more than ever, reaching the ceiling depends on him: “I like challenges. I won’t say it’s something new for me, because I’ve already been in this position several times in my career, but I feel great and I’m full of energy. It’s been quite a while since the last time I played basketball at this level, so I’m ready.”
