Doncic s commitment and future: Quickly complete early contract renewal and send a recruitment signal to league superstars

Translator's note: The original text was published in Yahoo Sports. The data in the text were as of the time of publication (local time on August 22). The dates and times involved are local time. The views in the article have nothing to do with the translator and the platform.

Luca Doncic's start in the Los Angeles Lakers era may not have started as both sides wished. Of course, there are also flashes, but overall, being easily eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves (a team Doncic just beat the previous year) in the first round of the playoffs is by no means the end of his first playoff appearance for anyone to imagine. After leaving that embarrassment behind, Doncic devoted himself to training, and it caused heated discussions on the Internet due to his radical change in body shape.

But the key is that Doncic's efforts have not ended. Doncic hopes to be regarded as one of the greatest players in Lakers' history. Doncic knows that if people want to remember what they need to do, whether on or off the court. This summer, Doncic's professionalism and willingness to fight side by side with the management have laid the foundation not only for the new season, but also for his entire career in Los Angeles, which amazed the entire Lakers team.

Doncic dunks in each season Although Doncic may not be known for his vertical bounce of 40 inches (about 101.6 cm) when entering the league, he did dunk the basket. But as a Lakers player, Doncic has not completed a dunk. Although the total number of dunks may not fully indicate a player's explosive power, this data still has some reference value. While Doncic played for the Slovenian national team, there were rumors that his athleticism looked much better. Moreover, this includes some dunks that Doncic's teammates have not seen him complete in years.

Another key development this summer is Doncic's efforts to improve his efficiency without the ball. According to Lakers sources, Doncic has been focusing on making himself feel more comfortable when he catches the ball. Doncic has also been in touch with coaches this offseason (for example, Greg St. Jean was with him during the European Championship) to understand how LeBron James or Austin Reeves want him to affect the game.

"He is too good to just stand aside after handing over the ball," said a Western Conference scout. "As long as he is on the court, the defense should be nervous about him every minute and every second. If they are not nervous, it is his own problem."

Speaking of James, sources familiar with the Lakers recently reiterated that he and Doncic have been in communication since the beginning of the offseason, with the focus on how to make each other better. Putting aside all speculations about James' future, the two superstars are looking forward to fighting side by side again next season. The sign of Doncic's promise to the Lakers is not only that he has reached an early contract renewal, but also how this contract renewal was achieved. Doncic signed the contract immediately, and there were no twists and turns in this matter. In about a week before Doncic's signing day, all sources familiar with the situation unanimously and firmly stated that he would sign the early contract extension.

"This is an important message that needs to be delivered," said a source who knows the Lakers. "He will not go anywhere, and he wants everyone in the league to know that he has made a promise to us."

Given that the Lakers are already laying out for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nicola Jokic or any other star who may lose patience with his situation in the next year or so, Doncic's signing is seen as an action to let other stars know that they can come to Los Angeles and can look forward to teammates with a superstar who is at the peak and devoted.

This summer, Doncic, as the Lakers' appearance figure, personally participated in the recruitment work. Doncic called DeAndre Aiton and Marcus Smart after news came out that they would be bought out. Both players eventually signed with the Lakers and both talked about the role Doncic played when they made the decision.

If Doncic can contribute to two influential signings with limited financial space, it can be safely inferred that when the Lakers chase big-name stars, he will be a valuable asset for the team.

As the Lakers' appearance figure, Doncic also enjoys special treatment. Doncic even gave an interview with Good Morning America to discuss how he reshaped his body. This is not common for professional athletes, as maintaining shape is often considered their duty. This kind of heat comes with huge responsibility. During Doncic's first full offseason, he enjoyed everything that this opportunity had brought.