Rob Pelinka is preparing to build the Los Angeles Lakers around Luka Doncic this offseason, following the team’s elimination from the NBA playoffs.
After being swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers are focusing on what’s ahead. Pelinka, the team’s president of basketball operations, spoke about how the franchise plans to construct its roster moving forward.
“Our roster blueprint will be tailored around Luka and his needs,” Pelinka told ClutchPoints. “He is clearly the future leader and player we want to build around.”
Doncic missed the entire playoffs due to a lingering hamstring injury, and his absence was deeply felt. During the regular season, he averaged nearly 34 points per game.
“I know some people wanted me to come back, but clearly I’m far from ready,” Doncic told the Associated Press. “If I could play, I would have given everything. Everyone in the locker room knows how hard this is. This is the best time to play basketball.”
The Lakers face a critical offseason with roster adjustments on the horizon. One of the biggest questions is whether LeBron James will return.
Doncic, meanwhile, is already preparing for his next season with the Lakers. He said his immediate priority is reconnecting with his family.
“First, I want to spend more time with my daughters—that’s probably the only thing on my mind right now,” Doncic said of his summer plans. “Second, of course, I need to train hard and get ready for next season.”
He also expressed his comfort playing in Los Angeles.
“I feel really good here,” Doncic stated. “I love living here. I love playing for the Lakers. L.A. is one of the greatest organizations in the world, so being a part of it means a lot to me. I feel really good here.”
The Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder.