Luka Doncic Sends Bold Championship Message to Lakers Fans

The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new era without LeBron James, but Luka Doncic is making it clear that the franchise's championship expectations haven't changed.

Ahead of Wednesday's season opener against the Golden State Warriors, Doncic delivered a message to Lakers fans by purchasing a full-page advertisement in the Los Angeles Times.

The five-time NBA All-Star addressed the city directly, expressing his appreciation for its support while making a bold statement about the team's goals.

"Dear LA, tonight we start our run for a championship," Doncic wrote in the advertisement, which was shared by The Athletic's Dan Woike.

The message comes at a significant moment for the Lakers, who are beginning their first season since James departed for the Philadelphia 76ers during the offseason. With James gone, Doncic has become the unquestioned centerpiece of a franchise looking to return to championship contention.

The Slovenian superstar acknowledged the expectations that come with wearing a Lakers uniform, emphasizing the organization's history and the passionate fan base that has supported it for generations.

He also expressed confidence in the roster assembled around him.

"We have a special team," Doncic wrote, before promising that the Lakers would do everything possible to meet their fans' expectations.

Los Angeles made several changes during the offseason, including adding Walker Kessler and Matisse Thybulle to strengthen its defensive presence. Alongside Austin Reaves, Doncic will be responsible for leading a new-look Lakers team attempting to compete in a loaded Western Conference.

The 27-year-old is coming off another outstanding individual season, averaging a league-leading 33.5 points per game during the 2025-26 campaign. However, individual success is no longer the primary measuring stick for Doncic as he enters his first full season as the face of one of the NBA’s greatest franchises.

His message also highlighted the relationship he has developed with Los Angeles since arriving in the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas in 2025.

Doncic thanked fans for embracing him and emphasized that the team's pursuit of a championship would require their continued support.

The Lakers will begin that pursuit Wednesday night against Stephen Curry and the Warriors.

For Doncic, the advertisement represents more than a message of appreciation. It is a public commitment to carrying the responsibility that comes with leading one of basketball's most popular franchises.