Luka Dončić is now the Lakers’ latest franchise player, but it’s clear the superstar will need a bit to feel right at home

[ad_1]

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — It was a familiar sight at a familiar site, but something was missing.

The pomp and circumstance was present at the Lakers facility, complete with the Larry O’Brien trophies looking over the practice floor, surely shined up to look even more golden for the occasion.

And the Buss family was scattered around, team governor Jeanie Buss standing remotely in the shadows while her brother, Jim Buss, sat on the other side, hat pulled down low over his face.

The numbers of retired Laker jerseys loomed on the walls, the perfect backdrop.

But the subdued look on Luka Dončić’s face showed the reality of this. Not that the coldness of it had anything to do with the Lakers, not to Dončić.

But it hung in the air for the morning, in the 20-minute news conference and it was uttered in corners for the few moments after, the people behind the scenes kept saying:

“It’s a business.”

Usually, when the Lakers introduce their newest star, whether it’s by draft or signing or trade, he’s all smiles, bathing in the tradition and the dignitaries, eager to add to Lakers lore.

Rob Pelinka, GM of Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Dončić and Lakers head coach JJ Reddick at Dončić’s opening press conference with Los Angeles at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. (REUTERS/Daniel Cole

It’s their choice, their destination, their happiness. Business is in the backdrop, not the forefront.

“It’s a gift,” Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said. “You’re talking about a 25-year-old that is a top-three player in the universe. I can’t think of a more amazing starting point to build a roster for the next decade.”

Shaquille O’Neal was a top three player when he arrived in Los Angeles, so was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, so was LeBron James. These gifts happen for this franchise, and the Lakers aren’t shocked when luck smiles upon them.

But you didn’t get the sense that Dončić was unhappy about being in Los Angeles, with the Lakers, with James. It felt very touching and sincere when he mentioned the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi, wishing they could be here to see…

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/luka-doncic-is-now-the-lakers-latest-franchise-player-but-its-clear-the-superstar-will-need-a-bit-to-feel-right-at-home-221227319.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2025-02-04 22:12:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.