Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić has adopted a win-now mentality in his summer training as he anticipates the 2025-26 NBA season. According to comments made by ESPN's Dave McMenamin on NBA Today, Dončić's approach is not about merely signing his name to a contract and waiting patiently. Instead, he is focused on winning immediately, declaring, 'I want to win this year. I want to win the subsequent year.' Dončić has expressed a desire to be in a position to celebrate championships at the Crypto.com Arena.

As noted during the NBA Today broadcast, Dončić is due to sign a four-year, $229 million extension imminently. Sources have indicated that he plans to finalize this extension upon his return to Los Angeles following a promotional tour with Jordan Brand. Reports from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints suggest that Dončić will meet with Rob Pelinka and other Lakers executives to officially secure the massive contract extension. His commitment to fitness has been evident this summer, as showcased by his appearance on the cover of Men's Health and in an exclusive interview discussing his rigorous training regimen.

Since being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers on February 1, Dončić has made a significant impact, helping lead Los Angeles to a remarkable 50-win season and securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. However, the team’s playoff journey ended early with a defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Following a successful season with the Mavericks that saw him reach the Western Conference Finals in 2024, Dončić is eager for a more successful playoff run with his new team. The Lakers have bolstered their roster by adding center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart, enhancing a core that includes four-time NBA MVP LeBron James and rising star Austin Reaves. With formidable competition from the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the retooled Houston Rockets led by Kevin Durant, the Lakers strive to establish themselves as prominent contenders in the Western Conference, while Dončić looks forward to making his mark in Los Angeles.