Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić has adopted a win-now mentality as he prepares for the 2025-26 NBA season, according to insights shared by ESPN's Dave McMenamin on NBA Today. According to a source close to Dončić, the player is eager to achieve immediate success, indicating that he does not view his commitment to the Lakers as a signal for patience. Rather, he is focused on winning this year and the next, expressing his intention to compete for championships as long as he is a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Dončić is eligible to sign a lucrative four-year, $229 million contract extension which he is expected to finalize shortly. As reported by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Dončić is currently on a promotional tour for Jordan Brand and is anticipated to meet with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka upon his return to Los Angeles to officially sign the extension. His commitment to ascendance within the league is evident, as he has been dedicated to improving his physical fitness this summer, highlighted by his appearance on the cover of Men's Health, where he shared insights into his training regimen.

Since being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers earlier this year, Dončić has played less than half a season with the team, contributing to a 50-win campaign and securing the third seed in the Western Conference. However, the Lakers’ playoff run was cut short in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves. With a recent history of leading the Mavericks to a Western Conference title in 2024, Dončić aims for greater postseason success this time around. The Lakers have bolstered their roster by adding center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart, enhancing their competitiveness in a Western Conference that also includes formidable opponents such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and the revamped Houston Rockets led by Kevin Durant. As Dončić embarks on his first full season in Los Angeles, he appears poised to make a significant impact in pursuit of championships.