Doncic never lobbied LeBron or Reaves to stay! His top priority is an elite center, and he longs for a championship-caliber team.

On June 18, Beijing time, according to Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin, Doncic spent this summer in Slovenia with his two daughters, Gabriella and Olivia. However, sources close to him told ESPN that he has stayed in close touch with Lakers basketball operations president and GM Pelinka and head coach Redick.

Last season, Doncic led the league in scoring with 33.5 points per game and finished fourth in MVP voting. He then suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, causing him to miss the Lakers' entire playoff run. Now that offseason training has begun, he has finally fully recovered.

Sources reveal that two and a half weeks after the Thunder series ended—on May 29—he was cleared to begin full basketball training. One insider said, "He is now completely healthy and can train at full intensity."

At 27, Doncic is in his prime and preparing for the new season. Sources say he has clearly communicated a roster request to Pelinka and Redick—the same demand he made when he first arrived in Los Angeles 16 months ago.

"What Luka wants most is a top-tier starting center," the insider said.

The rationale behind this request goes beyond matching up against Western Conference giants: Spurs' Victor Wembanyama and Nuggets' Nikola Jokic, both of whom ranked ahead of Doncic in this season's MVP voting.

A big man adept at rolling to the basket, cutting, and finishing lobs would greatly expand Doncic's already devastating offensive system. At the same time, this center must provide quality rim protection to compete with the best teams in both conferences.

This raises a new question: How will the Lakers handle their two interior players from last season—starter Deandre Ayton and backup Jaxson Hayes?

Ayton holds a player option worth $8.1 million for next season. He must decide whether to exercise it by June 29, or he will become an unrestricted free agent.

Hayes has been with the Lakers for three years and obtained a Slovenian passport, enabling him to play for the national team alongside Doncic. He is also an unrestricted free agent now. Last season, he earned just slightly above the veteran's minimum, so he will definitely seek a raise this summer.

In addition, the Lakers' two biggest potential free agents are LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

During the end-of-season press conference, Doncic publicly expressed his desire to keep the core group together.

"This team is great, the chemistry is fantastic, and playing alongside Austin Reaves and LeBron has been an incredible experience," Doncic said. "They are both elite players, and it's a pleasure to compete with them."

Sources close to Doncic confirmed to ESPN that after the season, he did stay in contact with LeBron and Reaves, but he never lobbied them to remain in Los Angeles.

The insider said their conversations mostly revolved around golf—Doncic only took up the sport in February of this year, and he bonded with his two teammates, who are also avid golfers, through the game.

As the draft and free agency approach, all management moves will be communicated to Doncic in real time. The six-time All-Star expects the Lakers to immediately present a roster plan with instant championship contention capability.

"Luka has long wanted a championship-contending team." the source close to Doncic said. "When the trade was completed, the management promised us: 'By the summer of 2026, we will have the answer.' Now the 2026 offseason has finally arrived, and we are extremely excited."