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Lakers Owner Admits: 'Luka's Team' Era Begins

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 17:56 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, Texas, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - February 17, 2026 - In a stunning admission that reverberates throughout the NBA, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has publicly stated that her team, and arguably the entire league, is currently operating in the orbit of Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic. The declaration came after the Lakers suffered another defeat at the hands of Doncic and the Mavericks on Monday night, fueling concerns about the Lakers' trajectory and highlighting Doncic's growing influence on the NBA landscape.

Buss's statement - "I think we're all just mesmerized by Luka, and he's just playing at a level that's almost impossible to contain. So, I think that's where we are right now. I think the Lakers are Luka's team" - isn't simply a frustrated reaction to a recent loss. It's a candid acknowledgment of a shift in power and a sobering realization that the league's pecking order may be undergoing a fundamental change. For a historically proud franchise like the Lakers to effectively concede that another team's star player dictates their performance is a remarkable turn of events.

Doncic's recent performance certainly warrants the attention. Over his last nine games, he's been a statistical anomaly, averaging an astounding 35.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists while shooting with impressive 51.6% efficiency. This has translated into an eight-game winning streak for the Mavericks, propelling them up the Western Conference standings and cementing Doncic's status as a leading MVP candidate. His impact extends beyond raw numbers; opponents are visibly struggling to devise effective defensive strategies against his unique blend of size, skill, and court vision.

But Buss's comments imply something deeper than just individual brilliance. It's a recognition that Doncic has become a tactical focal point for every opponent. Teams are forced to dedicate disproportionate defensive resources to containing him, often leaving other Mavericks players with more open looks. This creates a ripple effect, distorting offensive and defensive game plans across the league. It's no longer just about stopping one player; it's about mitigating the damage he inflicts while simultaneously preventing his teammates from capitalizing on the opportunities his presence creates.

The Lakers' predicament is particularly acute. Despite still being in the playoff conversation, they've struggled to consistently find their rhythm. Their reliance on veteran leadership, while historically effective, may be proving insufficient against Doncic's dynamic and unpredictable style of play. The question now is whether the Lakers have the tools - or the willingness - to adapt.

[ LeBron James, reacting to the loss ], acknowledged Doncic's brilliance but stressed the need for the Lakers to re-establish their identity. "He's a special player, no doubt," James stated. "But we need to remember who we are and what makes us great. We can't get caught up in trying to match him point-for-point; we need to play our game." However, that sentiment seems increasingly difficult to translate into on-court results.

Analyst's have pointed to the Lakers' defensive vulnerabilities as a key area of concern, as highlighted in the [ Lakers player grades from the Mavericks loss ]. While Austin Reaves delivered a strong offensive performance, the team as a whole struggled to contain Doncic's drives and passes. The lack of a consistent, dedicated perimeter defender capable of slowing him down has become glaringly apparent.

Buss's statement is a call to action, implicitly demanding significant changes to the Lakers' roster, coaching strategy, or both. Possible solutions could include acquiring a defensive specialist to specifically challenge Doncic, implementing a more aggressive switching scheme, or exploring trade options to bolster the team's overall defensive capabilities. However, any such moves would require careful consideration given the Lakers' limited financial flexibility and the competitive nature of the Western Conference.

The broader implications of Buss's comments extend beyond the Lakers. If the league truly is now "Luka's team," as she suggests, it signals a shift in the NBA's power dynamics. The era of team-centric basketball may be giving way to an era of superstar dominance, where one player's performance can dictate the outcome of entire games - and perhaps even championships. Other teams will undoubtedly take notice, adjusting their strategies and prioritizing the acquisition of players who can either emulate Doncic's impact or effectively counter it. The NBA landscape is evolving, and Luka Doncic appears to be at the center of that evolution.