This offseason was unlike any other for Luka Doncic. The plans were almost the same. He went back home to his family, but his goals were far different. Luka Magic completely transformed himself, alluding to the criticism he received. He shed pounds off himself and looks to be in the best shape of his life. But his newfound mentality wasn’t just an answer to the naysayer. It was a signal for a fresh start.

The last time around, Luka Doncic was in Dallas, every second of his tribute video hurt. The five-time All-NBA first team guard had tears running down his face. Doncic wasn’t at peace with the abrupt nature of his departure from the place he thought would be his forever home. But times have changed.

This offseason has offered him clarity. He’s the new face of the Los Angeles Lakers. Having just signed a three-year extension, his manager, Lara Beth Seager, provided an important update. Luka Doncic isn’t emotionally troubled anymore.

“He’s moved on,” she informed The Athletic.

Going forward, Luka Doncic is prepared to bleed it out for the Lakers. For weeks, the looming extension was seen to be doubtful. However, Seiger clarified that Doncic’s intentions were never to see the Lakers as a pit stop. His aim is to “win championships,” and he understands the responsibilities that come along with it.

It started with him working on himself. In Slovenia, Luka Doncic did everything right down to the fine details. He cut down on sugar, ate heavy protein meals, and even left basketball to make fitness and conditioning his priority. But as the face of the Lakers, there’s more he aims to do. This isn’t just about being the best version of himself.

Luka Doncic wants to see the best of the Los Angeles Lakers, and he’s been doing work all offseason to ensure that happens.

Luka Doncic is the captain now

Doncic landed in the City of Angels unexpectedly. However, LA has treated him like a king. Seen as the superstar who will take over after LeBron James, fans are excited to watch the Doncic era. He himself understands that. And for him, he’s seen what the Lakers organization is about. Loyalty is deeply vested in its core, and that’s how the Slovenian likes it.

“I think it was always known that, when Luka was traded here, it’s, ‘He’s here now. He wants to win where he is, and it’s important that he wins and that we’re working together with the team so we’re not waiting. His mindset has never been to hop around. His mindset is to win championship,” Seiger added.

That started with Luka Doncic making a crucial recruitment.

Even though it’s only his first full season with the Lakers, The Don reached out to Marcus Smart. The former Celtics reached a buyout with the Wizards. Several teams lined up to sign him, too. But Luka Doncic personally reaching out and relaying his desire to play together moved Smart. Eventually, he joined the Lakers, addressing their weak perimeter defense. This is how Doncic’s tenure with the Lakers is projected to be.

He wants to do whatever is necessary to win a championship. Whether it’s changing things about him or jumping at an opportunity, Doncic is willing to do it all. The best of him is yet to come. And internally, the Lakers are feeling confident.