Los Angeles Lakers’ two-time champion Sasha Vujacic is excited to see what the Dallas Mavericks missed out on in Luka Doncic. Ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, Doncic’s body transformation and a new contract extension have dominated the headlines for Lakers fans this summer.
Vujacic, who won back-to-back championships with Kobe Bryant in 2010, reflected on the greatness he has seen in Doncic and why Luka’s the ideal face of one of the NBA’s most winningest franchises, he said, per ESPN LA.
“100%. And I think that — not to diss Dallas — but I think Luka’s light and capability were way too big for the Dallas spotlight. I think Luka is the perfect guy that we need in L.A. to carry us to that next championship,” Vujacic said. “And I said it a long time ago when I watched him play — there are glimpses I see from Kobe, like in his eyes. He plays with a smile, but he wants to kill you.”
Sasha Vujacic can’t wait to see Doncic take his game to new heights with the Lakers instead of the Mavericks.
“There was a saying in our locker room — you smell blood, you go at them — and I think Luka is one of those few individuals in the league that has that demeanor, and has that mindset of trying to go to the next level,” Vujacic added. “I think it’s going to be a fun year, and I’m really happy he’s with us.”
Lakers legend James Worthy reacts to Luka Doncic’s new look
Hall of Fame forward James Worthy reacted to Lakers guard Luka Doncic’s new look ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Worthy believes Doncic can lead the Lakers to the next era. Seeing Doncic realize it’s time to take things to the next level is what encourages the Lakers legend to believe that Luka, coming from the Mavericks, is no different from the greats who came before him.
“I’ve seen his body, I haven’t seen it working out at all, but it happens,” Worthy told ClutchPoints. “A lot of players come in and they get to 25 or 26 years old and they figure it out, and he’s no different. So it’s good to see that he’s aware of it and knows what he has to do to stay on the floor.”
“I think it was critical because it sets the tone for other players that we need to build this team up. So, I think having that contract solidified early, it sends messages that the Lakers are really trying to do something long-term. I think that was key.”
Worthy also added that Doncic’s playmaking abilities make him an ideal face of the Lakers’ new era.
