Doncic: I Sent Brunson a Message Congratulating Him on the Championship — It Would Be Great If We Were Still Teammates

On June 17, Beijing time, Lakers star Luka Doncic briefly discussed the York Knicks championship and his former teammate Jalen Brunson in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca. Doncic said he didn’t watch much of this year’s Finals, but after Brunson won the title, he sent him a message, admitting he greatly admires how Brunson led the team to its first championship in over fifty years.

"To be honest, I barely watched the Finals," Doncic said. "But Brunson played really well. I sent him a message to congratulate him. He must be overjoyed right now. He has a winner's mindset that sets him apart from other players."

When asked what might have happened if he and Brunson had stayed together instead of going their separate ways, Doncic said their partnership would certainly have been powerful, and noted that both have improved tremendously since they last played together in the playoffs for the Mavericks.

"We've been steadily improving every year. We're no longer the players we were back then. If we were still playing together, it would be amazing — there's no doubt about that," Doncic said.

Talking about his first full season with the Lakers, Doncic said that in Los Angeles, just like in Madrid, the team’s only goal every year is to win the championship. He added that for this team, failing to win the title means the season is a failure.

"We were unlucky this year, dealing with a lot of injuries. We had a chance to go further, but it just didn’t work out," he said. Any season without a championship is a failure — no exceptions," he said.

Doncic believes this offseason is crucial for the Lakers, as the team needs to build a roster around him capable of competing for a title.

"This offseason is extremely important. Every offseason matters, but this one is different. We need to put together a well-balanced and harmonious team, so this summer can't be wasted," he said.

When asked what type of player would help him perform at his best, Doncic said the Lakers need to pair him with shooters and athletic big men.

"I need consistent shooters around me. I often face double teams, so perimeter shooting is crucial. At the same time, I need a center who can jump well and protect the rim with blocks," Doncic added.