Shaquille O'Neal's thoughts about the LeBron James and Luka Doncic tandem with the Lakers: "Here in L.A., we expect championships"

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the premier franchises in the NBA, with a storied history and global fan base. Hence, wearing the Purple and Gold jersey comes with its fair share of roles and responsibilities. The 17-time champions have been home to some of the all-time greats.

Hoping to carry forward the legacy are LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who turned teammates overnight during the 2024-25 season when the Dallas Mavericks sent Luka to L.A. in an exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.

Fans expect nothing less than a championship from them.

Gearing up to play their first full-fledged season (2025-26) as teammates, James and Doncic will have some new company in Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart joining them. The Lakers team is generating enough excitement among fans, including Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal.

During a recent red carpet Q&A session with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, O’Neal was quizzed about the James-Doncic pairing and whether he had ever seen something like that.

“Yeah! Throughout the league, it’s always been a backcourt duo, but here in L.A., we expect championships, so hopefully they can get it done this year,” replied O’Neal, who had led the Lakers to three consecutive championships in the past.

Luka is setting the tone with his physical transformation

Currently, in the best shape he has ever been, Doncic has lived up to his promise of getting better over the summer. There had been growing concerns over the 26-year-old’s conditioning in recent years, something that was particularly visible when he played defense.

Coming off a first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 playoffs, Doncic’s lackluster defense was once again on rampant display. Adding to the narrative was coach JJ Redick’s statement about the roaster needing to get into championship shape.

Heading into the summer, Doncic was on a mission, with the Lakers hiring a new strength and conditioning coach in Jeremy Holsopple. Interestingly, the two had previously worked together on the Dallas Mavericks. Locked in, the 26-year-old even limited his public appearances.

Appearing on the cover of Men’s Health out of nowhere, Doncic sent social media into a frenzy with his new look. Staying true to his goal, the results were visible to everyone.

What to expect for the 2025-26 season

The Lakers have indeed improved over the offseason, making valuable additions, especially in filling the void at the center position with Ayton. Doncic being in peak conditioning undoubtedly boosts the morale of the entire locker room. In addition, it also sheds some load off King James, who is about to enter his 23rd season.

The Doncic-James pairing showed glimpses of greatness last season, with fans expecting to see more of it as the days pass. Not to mention, Coach Redick, who did an impressive job in his debut year, looks to return further well-versed in all the processes.

Gearing up for their second season together, Luka and LeBron are no strangers to the pressures associated with playing for the Lakers. Something Hall of Famers, such as O’Neal, have experienced firsthand in the past.

He hopes Doncic and James can overcome that and get the job done this upcoming season.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Shaquille O’Neal’s thoughts about the LeBron James and Luka Doncic tandem with the Lakers: “Here in L.A., we expect championships”

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