Luka Doncic Explains How He Plans to Change in 1st Full Season with Lakers Since Trade

As he enters his first full year with the Los Angeles Lakers, star guard Luka Dončić acknowledged that he needs to use his voice more.

Dončić, who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks in February, told Dan Woike of The Athletic that he feels he has to be more vocal this season if he hopes to help the Lakers compete for a championship.

"I mean, it was probably just something I need to do — especially since I've seen a lot of basketball now," Dončić said. "So I've been through a lot — so it was kind of something like, I need to do this to help, to help others."

The 26-year-old added that he has to accept all aspects of being a leader, including calling out anything that is negatively affecting the team.

"(Being a leader), sometimes it's comfortable, sometimes not," he said. "Sometimes it's great to be a leader and sometimes you have to say things that you don't want to, but that's part of being a leader."

Dončić was often questioned for his maturity due to his tendency to let his emotions boil over. He led the league with 19 technical fouls in 2023-24, and last season was only slightly better with 14 technicals.

The Lakers have long looked to star forward LeBron James to be their leader, but the 40-year-old is at the tail-end of his iconic career. The reins will eventually be passed to Dončić, so it's imperative that he starts embracing a leadership role sooner rather than later, and it sounds like he's already on the right path.