Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka stated ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season that guard Luka Doncic is the world’s best offensive player, while outlining expanded leadership duties for teammate Austin Reaves following a major roster overhaul.
Speaking at a team press conference prior to the season opener against the Golden State Warriors, Pelinka evaluated the franchise’s backcourt anchors. Doncic, a 27-year-old Slovenian listed at 203 centimeters and 104 kilograms, enters the new campaign following an offseason where the front office restructured the team around him.
Pelinka Praises Doncic and Outlines Roster Changes
Pelinka emphasized the value of securing a player of Doncic’s caliber at age 26, noting that the franchise adjusted its roster construction to maximize his skill set. “Luka’s the world’s greatest offensive player,” Pelinka said. “And for us to be able to have an opportunity as a franchise to have that player in our building every night as a 26 year old is special and it requires us to do special things to the team around him.”
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The Lakers reshaped their roster significantly during the offseason. The primary acquisition involved trading two first-round picks and two first-round swaps to the Utah Jazz for Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade, followed by signing Kessler to a four-year contract. Los Angeles also added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle, and Ziaire Williams in free agency. An additional trade sent Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy.
Austin Reaves Takes on Max-Level Leadership
Alongside Doncic, guard Austin Reaves faces elevated expectations following his four-year, $180 million contract extension. Pelinka addressed the responsibilities accompanying a max-level deal, including potential All-Star consideration and vocal leadership.
According to Pelinka, discussions involving himself, head coach JJ Redick, and Reaves centered on setting an example for teammates. “One of the things we talked to Austin about is like, what does it mean once you’re a max level player? What new responsibilities come your way with that leadership and showing others by example like how to get better,” Pelinka said. “So he’s got a whole tool chest of new things that he’s gotta improve on and work at to be a great leader.”
Doncic Addresses Team Leadership and Health
Doncic noted that he has embraced a central leadership role since arriving in Los Angeles. Speaking to the Players’ Tribune as reported by Heavy.com, Doncic stated, “I feel like I’ve been the leader since I got here. I felt like the team was missing someone to step up, and I knew I had to take that responsibility.” He added that the primary objective for the revamped roster remains winning a championship.
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To foster team chemistry, Doncic organized and funded an overseas trip to Slovenia that included a minicamp for his new teammates. Describing the reconstructed roster to outlets, Doncic used a single word: “Happy.”
Doncic’s availability remains a focal point after injuries disrupted his first two seasons with Los Angeles. A left calf strain delayed his debut following a midseason trade from the Dallas Mavericks, while a Grade 2 left hamstring strain sidelined him for the final weeks of last season and the team’s postseason run. Reporting from SportKlub indicated that Doncic completed an individual training program in Ljubljana directed by personal trainer Anze Macek, reaching his target weight of approximately 105 kilograms ahead of the 2026-27 season.
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