Being a member of the Lakers takes more than just playing well. When you are a top performer for this franchise, you carry the torch for the team and represent Los Angeles.
This isn’t a foreign concept for Luka Dončić. He was the face of the franchise in Dallas and now that he’s a Laker, he has the same responsibilities in Southern California.
During his exit interview, Luka shared his thoughts on what it’s been like getting love from this Lakers community.
“I mean it’s been great, honestly,” Luka said. “The way the fans accepted me, it’s been amazing. The way the community accepted me, it’s been amazing. I’m really glad that I’m here. I had a great couple of months. Been trying to learn about everything, about the city, about the team. So, just trying to process everything.
He donated $500,000 to LA wildfire relief, even though this natural disaster happened well before he had a deep connection with this community.
When he heard about a Gianna, Kobe Bryant mural getting vandalized, he donated the full amount needed to restore it.
There were fans who came all the way from Slovenia for Lakers-Bucks, spending thousands to watch Luka play, but he was ruled out for the game.
When Dončić learned about this situation, his foundation paid to ensure they could watch him play for the Lakers for the following game.
For Luka’s first home game against Dallas, Jordan Brand created a fantastic ad for him. They also purchased every parking space in a lot, making it free for Lakers fans.
These are all grand gestures, and they’re one of the reasons Lakers fans have embraced Luka so quickly. He plays with passion, is an All-NBA talent and just flat out gets it
As long as he continues to work hard and improve year after year, he holds the keys to this franchise and the city’s heart in his hands.
