Wild Los Angeles Lakers rumor claims Luka Doncic already has a say in roster decisions

A new Los Angeles Lakers rumor suggests Luka Doncic already has as much influence on the team in a week as NBA legend LeBron James.

The last week delivered a surprising amount of action on the trade block before last week’s deadline. Several star players were moved, including Jimmy Butler and De’Aaron Fox. However, no deal was bigger than the shocking move that saw the Dallas Mavericks trade top star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

A potential Doncic trade was not at all rumored. And recent speculation around the league was that he was expected to sign a new long-term extension this summer. However, the Lakers were the beneficiaries of Nico Harrison’s desire to have Anthony Davis on the Mavs roster. In the deal, LA only had to give up Davis and a future first-round pick for a top-three player in the game.

While Doncic is one of the game’s best, most assumed this is still LeBron James’ team. Yet, a very interesting new rumor this week suggests the 25-year-old already has a huge amount of influence in the LA front office.

Luka Doncic stats (2024-25): 28.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 7.8 APG, 2.0 SPG 35% 3PT

Luka Doncic behind Los Angeles Lakers attempt to trade for Mark Williams?

Just before last week’s trade deadline, the Lakers had agreed on a trade with the Hornets for big man Mark Williams. However, over the weekend it was revealed that LA voided the deal. After they did not like what they saw on the center’s medical records.

The trade attempt was seen as a move to fill a big void in the frontcourt. After Davis’ departure in the Doncic trade. However, it seems there was more to it than just that, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. The NBA insider reported on Monday Williams was “handpicked” by Doncic following a meeting with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka on February 3.

Luka Doncic contract: Five years, $215 million

Most top stars are asked for their opinion on potential trades. However, to be able to pick a trade target just days after arriving says a lot about how the Lakers front office views the five-time All-Star.