3× Lakers Finals MVP throws down gauntlet for Luka Doncic with championship challenge 

Luka Doncic is in one of the biggest sports markets in the world. Early in his superstardom, Los Angeles was perhaps the perfect place for the Slovenian star to flourish and exponentially multiply his brand value.

However, every superstar in an LA Lakers jersey has just one expectation from fans and former players; to win championships. After a subpar season with the Lakers and receiving heavy criticism for not being in shape, Doncic is putting in early work, and the results are already encouraging.

Magic Johnson took the opportunity to challenge Doncic for next mission, encouraged by his offseason training in the gym.

"It's great what you did in Dallas," Johnson said on ESPN's "Get Up." "But the difference is, in Los Angeles, we expect championships. And we expect our superstars to lead us to a championship. LeBron has already did that. Now we want Luka to do the same thing."

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The three-time NBA Finals MVP also emphasized that the Lakers should focus on adding a big man and a few great bench players in the offseason.

Ex-Mavericks coach rocks Luka Doncic's signature shoe in "protest" to controversial Slovenian star trade

Legendary coach and five-time NBA champion Don Nelson was recently honored with the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, a decision made by the National Basketball Coaches Association.

The Hall of Fame coach used the opportunity to express his protest against the Dallas Mavericks' decision to trade Luka Doncic. Ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals, Nelson told reporters via NBCSports.com that he was wearing Luka Doncic's signature shoes to express his protest:

"I'm wearing Luka's new shoes from Nike and I'm wearing them in protest for the trade from Dallas. I think it was a tremendous mistake by the Dallas franchise to trade him."

Nelson and his son Donnie played a crucial role in acquiring Doncic from the Atlanta Hawks on draft night in 2018.

Nelson added that since the time he has been linked to NBA basketball, he had learned that teams should keep a great player for a lifetime. He said that he applied the same philosophy when he was a coach:

"If you look at the players I’ve had over the years, Dirk and [Sidney] Moncrief and all the rest of them that I’ve coached,... my philosophy was always to honor the great players, not trade them away, but to add pieces to that player and make him and your franchise the best that it could be."

Don Nelson held the top coaching position for the Dallas Mavericks from 1997 to 2005. Nelson also played 14 years in the NBA and won five championships, all with the Boston Celtics.

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About the author

Nandjee Ranjan

Nandjee Ranjan is a journalist covering the NBA and WNBA at Sportskeeda whose passion for basketball dates back to his childhood when he enjoyed playing the sport in school.

Nandjee finds his heart divided between two NBA powerhouses: the LA Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. He idolizes LeBron James and his leadership, while he appreciates the Warriors' dynamic and team-oriented style of play.
Basketball, for Nandjee, isn't just a sport but a holistic approach to fitness and well-being. He's been drawn to team sports, finding fulfillment in the physical engagement basketball offers.

With years of following basketball, Nandjee contextualizes historical events and player performances. He believes in conducting thorough research before writing, only taking information from reliable sources. He doesn’t mind taking more time to write an articles, as long as it is 100% accurate for his readers’ benefit.

During his leisure hours, Nandjee finds relaxation by reading books.

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