Luka Doncic has outlined the type of teammates he believes would allow him to reach his highest level with the Los Angeles Lakers, pointing toward a roster built around shooting and interior athleticism.
Speaking with Gigantes del Basket during Jordan Brand’s “The One” event in Madrid, Doncic explained that he wants the Lakers to add players who can punish defensive attention and finish plays created by his passing.
“I think mainly shooters and a big man who can run the pick-and-roll and jump so I can pass to him,” Doncic said, via EssentiallySports. “If I have shooters, they won’t double me as much and it helps me out.”
The request directly reflects how opponents defended Doncic during the 2025-26 season. The 27-year-old guard averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 64 games while facing frequent double teams and defensive traps. He shot 36.6% from three on 10.8 attempts per game, forcing defenses to respect his perimeter scoring while still trying to limit his playmaking.
Los Angeles already had several shooting options around Doncic. Austin Reaves averaged 23.3 points while shooting 36.0% from three, while Luke Kennard connected on 44.8% of his three-point attempts in 32 games.
Doncic also emphasized his desire for a center who can operate in pick-and-roll situations and provide vertical spacing.
“I think I always need shooters around me because I usually get double-teamed a lot,” Doncic said. “And some centers who can jump high and block shots.”
The Lakers already have Deandre Ayton, who averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting 67.1% from the field in 2025-26. Jaxson Hayes also provided athletic finishing, averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game.
However, Los Angeles has continued to explore frontcourt upgrades. The Lakers have reportedly been linked with Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, a young rim protector who averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks during his career. They have also been connected to veteran big man Kevin Love, who shot 37.3% from three last season.
