Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić is adopting a win-now mentality as he prepares for the 2025-26 NBA season. This insight was shared by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin during an appearance on NBA Today, highlighting Dončić's urgency to secure victories in the near future. A source close to Dončić indicated that his perspective is clear: he wants to win immediately. Rather than viewing his commitment to the Lakers as a long-term process that could tolerate a slow buildup, his focus is on immediate success as a member of the franchise. With aspirations to raise banners at the Crypto.com Arena, Dončić underscores his intent to compete at the highest level right away.

As noted on NBA Today, Luka Dončić is set to be eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension, effective this Saturday. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Dončić, who is currently engaged in a Jordan Brand tour, is anticipated to conclude his trip by signing this substantial contract extension. League sources indicated that upon his return to Los Angeles, Dončić is expected to meet with Rob Pelinka and other Lakers executives to formalize the agreement. This development not only solidifies his commitment to the team but also signals his readiness to invest in the upcoming competitive season.

Dončić has been proactive about his fitness this summer, striving to achieve peak performance levels, as evidenced by his recent feature on the cover of Men's Health. Competing at a high level is essential to him, particularly after transferring to the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025 season. In L.A., he played less than half a season, contributing to the Lakers' 50-win success and securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. However, their playoff journey was cut short in the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Following his leading role in the Mavericks reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2024, it is evident that Dončić is eager for a more favorable postseason outcome this time around. The Lakers have bolstered their roster with the recent additions of center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart, complementing the existing core that includes four-time NBA MVP LeBron James and rising star Austin Reaves. With these changes, the Lakers appear poised to contend strongly within a highly competitive Western Conference, which includes the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the revamped Houston Rockets, led by Kevin Durant. Dončić's determination is palpable as he approaches his first full season with the Lakers, eager to leave his mark in purple and gold.