Luka Dončić Talks New Teammates, Lakers Potential, Takes Blame for Last Season's Injury

Luka Dončić is a tough nut to crack. He's not a basketball and global celebrity, but even more than a decade into his professional career is uncomfortable with fame.

Still, he's the centerpiece of the NBA's crown jewel franchise, which has not been completely turned over to him.

Doncic knows he needs to let people in a little, and has spent the offseason doing just that, as Chris Mannix reports for Sports Illustrated in a very good, highly insightful profile. Like his Lakers teammates and coach JJ Redick, Mannix went to see Luka in Slovenia, and profiled him there. That's been the mechanism for letting people in.

The story details how Doncic is slow to let his guard down, but beloved once he does. His love for basketball is palpable, as is an increasing enthusiasm for golf. But more importantly, the story illustrates Luka's role in building this year's Lakers squad, and shaping the direction of the team. He talks about taking blame for last year's hamstring injury, which functionally ended LA's season.

It's smart for Luka to open a window into his personality in the way he has. He's likely not going to change how he operates towards the media, so the work he did this summer is helpful for providing context that might not come through as much once the games begin.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

PHOTO CREDIT: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

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