Newly extended Luka Doncic ready to chase titles with Lakers - ESPN

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — A slimmed-down Luka Doncic credited a «fresh-start» mindset for his physical transformation this summer.

And after signing a three-year, $165 million extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic said he is ready to start his pursuit of what so many franchise greats have done in L.A. before him: winning championships.

«We have what we need to compete for the championship,» Doncic said at a news conference Saturday. «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.»

The extension includes a player option in the final year, keeping the 26-year-old Doncic in L.A. until at least 2028.

Doncic's first half-season with the Lakers after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks in February ended with a first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Beyond his improved physique, the team's changes since that loss were on display Saturday. Waiver-wire signees Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart — both recruited by Doncic after being bought out in Portland and Washington, respectively — were present at the practice facility for the event. Second-round pick Adou Thiero, plus Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber, were there, too.

The group posed for a photograph with Doncic in the middle holding up his gold No. 77 uniform and Lakers coach JJ Redick and president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka bookending either side. (Forward Jarred Vanderbilt was also present, but not for the photo.)

Which made the absence of the Lakers' other superstar, LeBron James, stand out.

The 40-year-old James posted videos of himself on the golf course to his Instagram account Saturday morning, engaging in his