Los Angeles Lakers legend Pau Gasol has expressed his enthusiasm and support for Luka Doncic following the latter’s recent trade to the Lakers. Upon the announcement, Gasol welcomed Doncic, stating, “Welcome to LA, Luka Doncic! Excited to see you in purple & gold. The Lakers family is special—enjoy the journey and make history!”
Gasol also addressed the ongoing debate about the future face of the NBA, emphasizing that the league’s global nature allows for multiple prominent figures, regardless of their nationality. He highlighted the impact of international stars like Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic, asserting that the NBA’s identity has evolved into a global game, with a significant percentage of players coming from outside the U.S.
In response, Doncic has expressed admiration for Gasol’s legacy with the Lakers and hopes to connect with him in Los Angeles. He acknowledged the profound respect people have for Gasol and considers it an honor to be part of the same organization.
Additionally, Doncic has made a significant impact off the court by donating $500,000 to assist with wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles. Gasol praised this gesture, expressing pride in Doncic’s commitment to the community.
The mutual respect and support between Gasol and Doncic underscore the strong sense of community within the Lakers organization, as they both contribute to the team’s legacy both on and off the court.
