The Los Angeles Lakers revamped their roster this offseason, formally making Luka Dončić the point of interest.

As Dončić enters his third season in Los Angeles, he has already seen the legendary franchise be bought twice, but the All-Star guard has remained supportive of the possession modifications as the entrance workplace has continued to support him.

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Dončić has confirmed he has what it takes to be a franchise star, main a group to the NBA Finals when he took the Dallas Mavericks to the title collection to finish the 2023-24 season. The Boston Celtics beat the Mavericks 4-1.

It may take some time before there’s a higher thought of what this Lakers group can look like and what that ceiling might be, but there have been some early glimpses during the preseason.

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Luka Dončić carries the bodily toll of a demanding season

Luka Dončić carried a heavy workload all through the season, usually enjoying through bodily challenges as the put on of the schedule amassed.

Now sidelined for the the rest of the common season, these photos replicate moments when the pressure of the 12 months was seen as Dončić labored through accidents while main his group.

Above, Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers appears to be like on from the bench at the finish of the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on March 19, 2026, in Miami, Florida.

(Rich Storry, Getty Images)

How does Luka Dončić look with new Lakers roster?

Lakers basic supervisor Rob Pelinka and the entrance workplace made a commerce for Walker Kessler and re-signed Austin Reaves to a $185-million contract to help create a basis alongside Dončić this offseason.

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The Lakers’ new large three came collectively for the first time against the Denver Nuggets in the preseason finale on Oct. 16, with the trio enjoying collectively in the first half.

That one half indicated it will still take some time for the trio to jell, ending the outing at a minus-four in their 13 minutes collectively.

While Kessler appeared a bit out of rhythm against Nikola Jokić, he called it “a lot of fun” to play collectively as a trio for the first time.

Outside of the large three, Dončić confirmed he also has a connection building with Lakers newcomer Ziaire Williams, who was also in the beginning lineup. The veteran guard discovered Williams for a number of lobs during the first half.

Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 8, 2026.

Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during a preseason recreation at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 8, 2026.

Can Luka Dončić keep healthy?

The largest query for Dončić is whether he can keep healthy.

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Dončić has continued to put in the work as effectively during the offseason, taking his coaching severely for a second straight season.

He’s come into the season in form and wanting lean to improve his on-court mobility and general situation.

The guard had confronted criticism all through the early years of his profession because of his weight and lower-body accidents.

Dončić took a step ahead, enjoying in 64 video games last season, the most he has performed since the 2023-24 season when he performed 70 video games.

He earned his second scoring title, averaging 33.5 factors per recreation last season. He also averaged 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds for Los Angeles.

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Dončić will have to play like an MVP candidate again this season to help push the Lakers beyond the Western Conference semifinals.

The Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Lakers 4-0 in the convention semls last season without Dončić. He missed the Lakers’ playoff run due to a Grade 2 left hamstring pressure.

Luka Dončić takes on management function

Dončić hosted his teammates for a minicamp in an attempt to construct group chemistry after the group overhauled the roster in August.

The All-NBA participant’s determination to have the minicamp in the home nation allowed him to stay close to his two daughters.

Dončić and his longtime girlfriend ended their engagement in March, main to an ongoing custody battle over the daughters.

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More: Luka Doncic information worldwide petition to carry his daughters back to US

When do Lakers play in the season opener?

Dončić and the Lakers will host coach Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the season opener.

This article initially appeared on USA TODAY: What is Lakers’ ceiling with Luka Doncic as Los Angeles’ point of interest?



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