When Luka Doncic landed with the Lakers earlier this year, it rocked the NBA like few trades ever have. Suddenly, Los Angeles had another generational talent wearing purple and gold. But whispers around the league kept circling: Would he stay long term? With just one year left after his August 2 extension window opens, the timing feels crucial. If he skips the extension and opts into his player option, Luka could become a free agent in 2026. And with California’s tax laws, the Lakers can’t outbid other teams, at least not financially. But honestly, how do you let someone like Luka go?

That’s why Rob Pelinka hasn’t just been watching; he’s been building. Quietly, the Lakers have started reshaping their team around Doncic, even if it means putting LeBron James on the back burner. And yes, that’s the same LeBron who won them a title in 2020. It’s a bold move, but one Luka may have inspired himself. In a Lakers-produced video, when asked how he wanted to be remembered in L.A., Luka answered directly: “The guy that brought championships to the city, for sure.” That confidence? It told fans everything they needed to hear. Doubts about him signing the extension started to fade.

Still, actions speak louder than words, and this week, Luka spoke volumes… without saying a word. Marcus Smart has joined the Lakers! He brings championship grit to the roster. A former Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Defense First Team guard, he fits the mold of a player any star would want beside them. According to Lakers Nation’s Trevor Lane, “Luka is not going anywhere.” Lane added that Luka’s role in Smart’s arrival feels like confirmation of his intent to sign long-term. “You’re sure as h-ll not recruiting guys to come to your team if you’re planning on not signing that extension, right?”

That can’t be the move of someone eyeing the exit door. In fact, Lane called it the “nail in the coffin” to all the speculation. Lane didn’t stop there. He also mentioned the Lakers’ belief in their newest big man, Deandre Ayton. “There’s a belief that he’s going to go back to what he was when he was playing with Chris Paul—that Luka is going to unlock that version of Deandre Ayton.”

If that pans out, Pelinka’s once-criticized front office may finally have found its groove. With Luka Doncic’s leadership and strategic moves like Ayton and Smart, the LA Lakers seem to be preparing to sit alongside the Celtics in the Ring count. And at the center of it all stands Doncic, already recruiting, already leading, and, if you read the signs right, already staying.

Luka Doncic believes in Pelinka’s vision as Lakers GM silences critics with smart summer overhaul

Rob Pelinka has not always enjoyed the kindest words from Lakers fans. After last season’s first-round exit, frustration boiled over. The roster seemed unbalanced, lacking defense and energy at key moments. Many fingers were pointed at the front office. But now, those same fans are watching Pelinka flip the narrative. He kicked off free agency with a move no one saw coming, signing Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, on a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option.

Trevor Lane, host of Lakers Nation, shared a strong perspective on Pelinka’s recent work. “Yes. And that’s what I’ve mostly been critical of Rob Pelinka for in the past—was not winning in the margins. And that’s exactly what he’s done here, is win in the margins.” For years, the Lakers struggled with adding solid rotational pieces. This summer, they added Smart, pulled off a savvy trade for Mark Williams, and jumped 19 spots in the draft to get Adou Thiero. These moves showed his determination to turn things around for the team.

Lane also mentioned, “They understand they need point-of-attack defense… Smart is a step in that direction.” But he didn’t stop there. He praised Pelinka’s larger plan, saying the Lakers “have made some real strides here this summer.” With Mark Williams backing up the frontcourt and Smart toughening the perimeter, it’s clear Pelinka is focused on that championship window. The Lakers finally appear to be working with a vision, one that revolves around role clarity, continuity, and two-way players.

What separates this offseason from the last few is how calculated everything feels. Pelinka secured team-friendly contracts and preserved flexibility. At the same time, he locked in Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt to maintain chemistry. The narrative has flipped. Even the Lakers’ harshest critics might have to admit it: Pelinka’s blueprint is starting to make real sense, and Luka seems to believe in it too.