Luka Doncic has officially committed to what borders on a long-term future with the Los Angeles Lakers. His 2026-27 player option has been replaced by a new three-year commitment that all but guarantees that he'll be with the team through 2027-28.
As Doncic looks to maximize the next three seasons before free agency looms large once again in 2028, there's one goal that has become a minimum standard for 2025-26: Win a playoff series.
No organization sets loftier goals than Los Angeles, thus making a Round 1 victory an admittedly underwhelming goal in the grander scheme. The 17-time NBA champions are far removed from the level of greatness expected of them, however, thus requiring this simple dream to be realized.