LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Luka Doncic on Saturday said he felt privileged to shoulder championship expectations after officially signing a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Doncic, 26, arrived in Los Angeles in a stunning February trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Since then the Slovenian superstar has focused on helping the Lakers add another title to their storied collection.
"It's an honor to play for this organization," Doncic told a press conference at the team's training center in El Segundo.
"Many great players played here and obviously I want to add one more up there. That's what we're working for."
Doncic made an immediate impact on joining the Lakers, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals over 28 regular-season games.
His stellar play helped propel Los Angeles to the third seed in the Western Conference, though the team ultimately suffered a first-round playoff exit.
Known for his dazzling skills and basketball IQ, five-time All-Star Doncic has occasionally faced criticism over his conditioning.
However, a recent profile in Men's Health magazine showcased a noticeably leaner and more muscular Doncic, with increased definition in his arms - a testament to his off-season commitment.
"For the first month I didn't play basketball at all, we were more focused on other things, so I think that provided a spark," he said.
"Weight lifting, balancing ... and after one month we started playing basketball."
"MONUMENTAL MOMENT"
Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka called Doncic's extension a "monumental moment" for the franchise.
"Luka Doncic's future is with the Los Angeles Lakers," Pelinka said in a statement.
"Luka is one of the game's most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare."
The Lakers are reloading for another run at the title, with LeBron James opting into his contract for next season. The team has also bolstered its roster by acquiring center Deandre Ayton, defensive stalwart Marcus Smart and forward Jake LaRavia.
Doncic, who was the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, boasts career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists across seven NBA seasons with the Mavericks and Lakers.
He has been selected five times to the All-NBA first team, led the league in scoring during the 2023-24 campaign with 33.9 points per game and recorded a career-high 73 points in a single contest.
He ranks third all-time in regular season scoring average and has notched 82 career triple-doubles, fourth among active players.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Pritha Sarkar and Ken Ferris)
