Luka Remains Committed to the Lakers Despite Ownership Change

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Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are getting ready for another big change in ownership. According Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Mark Walter has agreed to sell the team to a group led by Bob Iger and Josh Kushner for a record $12.5 billion. Ownership changes usually bring up questions about what’s next, but Luka Doncic saw things differently. Instead of worrying about the uncertainty that comes with such a big sale, the Lakers star welcomed the chance to work with the new owners and made it clear he’s still committed to the team.

“I’ve gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise. I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together.”

Ready For Change

Luka’s comments stand out because they come from a player who has spent the last few years navigating many changes, both on and off the court. Since 2021, he’s played for three different head coaches, worked with three basketball executives, seen five ownership groups, been traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers, and watched the Lakers shift from being LeBron James’ team to one built around him.

Then, of course, came the move that changed Luka’s career. Even though many thought he would be the face of the Mavericks for years, he was traded to the Lakers in one of the most surprising deals in NBA history. What looked like a long-term partnership ended suddenly, and Doncic had to start over in Los Angeles with a new team structure.

The changes kept coming after the trade. Doncic joined the Lakers when the Buss family still owned the team, then saw control pass to Walter. Now, just over a year later, the Lakers are getting ready for another ownership change as Iger and Kushner prepare to take over.

The Performance Has Never Slowed Down

What’s impressive about Luka is that all this instability hasn’t hurt his play. Even as teams and leaders changed around him, he kept playing at an MVP level and proved he’s one of the league’s top players. Even changes in his personal life didn’t seem to affect his play on the court.

That steady performance is a big reason the Lakers feel good about their future, no matter who owns the team. Owners, front offices, and coaches might change, but teams with real superstars usually stay competitive. The Lakers believe Doncic is that kind of player.

Luka’s reaction to the sale only made the Lakers more confident. Instead of stepping back from another big change, he showed his support for the team’s future and welcomed the new owners even before the deal was done.

That’s good news for Lakers fans. The team might be starting a new era, but their star player seems ready for the challenge. After so much change in such a short time, that could be the most important thing to remember.

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Simon Jones is a Lakers writer and basketball analyst who blends fan passion with sharp insight. As the voice behind Lakers24eight, he breaks down games, players, and strategy that connects with fans who live and breathe purple and gold.