Luka Doncic Says Lakers’ Championship Hopes Depend on Everyone Not Just Stars
In a rare and candid moment of praise from a rival, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic offered some pointed insight into the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship prospects, saying it will take everyone – not just the star power of LeBron James and Anthony Davis – for the team to truly contend for the title.
Speaking to reporters after a tightly contested Western Conference matchup, Doncic stressed the importance of team depth, cohesion, and effort from all players on the roster. “LeBron and AD are incredible, obviously. But to win a championship, it’s not just about two or three guys. It takes everyone – the bench, the role players, the coaching staff, the energy guys. That’s what makes a championship team,” Doncic said.
His comments come at a time when the Lakers are fighting for consistency in a brutally competitive Western Conference. Despite flashes of brilliance and vintage performances from LeBron James, questions remain about the Lakers’ supporting cast and whether they can elevate their game under pressure. With D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura taking on more prominent roles, the spotlight is now on how deep this Lakers team really is.
Doncic’s words echo a sentiment often shared among championship veterans – that titles are not won by individuals, but by units. “You look at past champions,” he continued. “The Warriors had Steph, but also Andre Iguodala, Draymond doing the dirty work. The Nuggets last year had Jokic and Murray, but also guys like Bruce Brown and KCP making huge plays. It’s about unity.”
The Lakers themselves know this all too well. Their 2020 championship in the NBA Bubble was built not only on the dominance of LeBron and Davis, but also the grit of players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, and Dwight Howard. That title-winning formula was a testament to collective contribution.
LeBron James, now in his 21st season, has consistently echoed this philosophy. “I can lead, but I need everyone to step up,” James said earlier this season. “Championships are won by teams, not talent alone.”
As the playoff picture begins to solidify, the Lakers will have to prove that they’re more than just a duo of superstars. They’ll need resilience from their second unit, timely shooting from role players, and the kind of chemistry that only comes from a team truly buying into a shared goal.
Doncic may be a rival, but his message is clear and rooted in respect: if the Lakers want to hang another banner, it won’t be because of just two names on the back of jerseys. It’ll be because of the full roster, every minute played, and every player contributing when it matters most.
The road to a championship is long, and as Doncic reminds us — it’s one every player must walk together.
