Overview

• Dončić told the Wall Street Journal he was shocked by the midseason trade to Los Angeles, calling Dallas “my home” and saying closure may never come.
• LeBron James called him a “great f—ing guy” and a “big‑time savant,” praising Dončić’s ability to think the game at an elite level.
• The 26-year-old earned EuroBasket All‑Star Five honors after averaging 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists as Slovenia reached the quarterfinals.
• He revamped his conditioning with a month away from basketball, focused fitness work and dietary changes to address past critiques.
• With a three‑year, $165 million extension in place, Dončić says his leadership will form in preseason as the Lakers integrate Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia.