Lakers’ Two-Time Champion Calls Out Mavericks With Luka Doncic Take
The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be in good hands with Luka Doncic being their superstar for the future. Former player Sasha Vujacic certainly agrees with that notion, even calling out the Dallas Mavericks in the process.
The Mavericks sent Doncic and Markieff Morris to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick back in February. The deal created shockwaves throughout the NBA with many wondering how a trade of that magnitude remained quiet despite many rumors going around.
Nonetheless, both teams went their new paths as the Lakers now have plans for the short term and long term. Doncic pairing up with veteran superstar LeBron James presents an opportunity for immediate title contention, while Los Angeles prepares for a new era with the former as the face of the franchise moving forward.
Vujacic appeared at Pechanga Resort’s golf course for a live interview with Andy Kamenetzky and D’Marco Farr of ESPN LA on Aug. 26. He represented the Lakers from seven seasons from 2004 to 2010, being a role player on the Kobe Bryant-led squads that won titles in 2009 and 2010.
He discussed multiple topics in the nine-minute conversation, including why he sees greatness in Doncic and why he’s the ideal star for what the Lakers need.
“100%. And I think that — not to diss Dallas — but I think Luka’s light and capability were way too big for the Dallas spotlight. I think Luka is the perfect guy that we need in L.A. to carry us to that next championship,” Vujacic said. “And I said it a long time ago when I watched him play — there are glimpses I see from Kobe, like in his eyes. He plays with a smile, but he wants to kill you.”
Vujacic is looking forward to seeing Doncic elevate his game to new heights with the Lakers instead of the Mavericks.
“There was a saying in our locker room — you smell blood, you go at them — and I think Luka is one of those few individuals in the league that has that demeanor, and has that mindset of trying to go to the next level,” Vujacic added. “I think it’s going to be a fun year, and I’m really happy he’s with us.”
What Lies Ahead For Luka Doncic, Lakers
It’s a big declaration for Sasha Vujacic to make about Luka Doncic, looking forward to the star’s potential with the Lakers instead of the Mavericks.
He would be right to believe in Doncic reaching his ceiling. Despite the expectations that come with it, Doncic proved that he can lead a team to the NBA Finals, which he did with the Mavericks in 2024.
The next step for him is improving his conditioning, which he has been doing this offseason. He would be more fit and quicker on the court, which can help him be healthy throughout the 82-game regular season and be more reliable for the Lakers.
Los Angeles acquired Doncic with the main goal being to compete for the titles in the long run, especially after LeBron James decides to retire from the NBA. Standing out as one of the best players in the league, it is up to Doncic to prove his doubters wrong and cement himself as a legend in the sport as well as Lakers lore.
Notable Absence from Miami Dolphins’ Team Captains
In his first three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, wide receiver Tyreek Hill was a team captain. Now? He’s not.
The Dolphins named their team captains for the 2025 season and they are quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, fullback Alex Ingold, edge rusher Bradley Chubb, center Aaron Brewer, defensive tackle Zach Sieler and linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
Back in May, Hill said that he didn’t deserve to be a team captain and that he needed to regain the trust of his teammates.
“I’ve got to prove myself,” Hill said then. “This OTAs, training camp, I’ve got to prove myself. I’ve got to show up different. The mindset has got to be different. I don’t feel like I deserve it, and if I didn’t get it, I wouldn’t dwell on it. I wouldn’t sweat it because I put myself in that position.”
Tyreek Hill talked his way out of the captaincy back in January
Following the team’s season-ending loss to the New York Jets in January, Hill made some real un-captain-esque comments to reporters. A team leader would have taken responsibility and emphasized hard work and focus moving forward into the offseason.
Hill decided to go in a different direction.
“This is my first time I haven’t been in the playoffs,” Hill told reporters. “I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family. If that’s here or wherever the case may be, I’m finna open that door for myself. I’m opening the door. I’m out, bro.
“It was great playing here, but at the end of the day, bro, I got to do what’s best for my career. I’m too much of a competitor to be just out there.”
Remember that time he said he had to prove himself again to his teammates? This is what he was referring to. So, based on his previous comments, Hill himself is not surprised that he wasn’t named a team captain.
Tyreek Hill even criticized De’Von Achane because of course he did
Yes, Hill was asked about his opinion on the Dolphins’ short-yardage struggles in early August and he answered. But, he needs to do a better job of navigating these things. He’s 31-years old and should know better than to get baited by a reporter. And not for nothing, what insight would a short, outside speed demon provide regarding 3rd-and-1 situations?
“Take De‘Von [Achane] out on third down — what?” Hill said. “That’s my honest opinion. If it’s third-and-short, he’s not a power back. I keep telling him that in the locker room, but he swears he’s a power back. I love De’Von, but if I’m being honest like that’s why you got Jaylen Wright, that’s why you got Ollie Gordon II, for those kind of situations.”
When head coach Mike McDaniel was informed of these comments, he surely didn’t have some private, table-flipping meltdown. But, he was most likely in the ‘I really don’t want to deal with this nonsense again’ camp.
“I thought it was genius reporting by Tyreek, seeing how we had a short-yardage period that very day that you guys were in attendance for, and his suggestion was I guess congruent with [running backs coach Eric] Studesville — that’s exactly how we repped the backs in that short-yardage period that very day,” McDaniel said. “But we thought it was funny that he reported the news that wasn’t news on that practice day in that short-yardage period that you guys were all there, too, for.”
These are absolutely the kinds of things that flashed through his head when picking team captains. Tyreek was most likely crossed off the list of potential captains further back than any of us know.
