Jeanie Buss Says Luka Doncic Looks 'Less Burdened' Heading Into New NBA Season

The new-look Luka 'got clarity,' she added.

Buss said Donic 'just looked comfortable' while playing in EuroBasket this summer. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

When Luka Doncic was first traded to the Lakers in February, he was—understandably—in shock. He looked a touch uncomfortable, or at least nervous, during his first press conference. He cried when he returned to Dallas and the Mavericks welcomed him home with a tribute video. The Lakers did not last long in the postseason, but perhaps that was at least partially because Luka wasn't yet his full self.

That apprehension is gone now.

This summer, a slimmed-down Doncic touted both his new mindset and physique, making clear he has moved on from the trade that dealt him from the only franchise he has ever known and is ready to give his all to the Lakers—with whom he signed an extension—moving forward.

Even Lakers executive Jeanie Buss, who traveled to Poland to watch him in EuroBasket, can confirm the shift.

“He just looked comfortable,” Buss told The Athletic, referring to her time watching Doncic play .“His focus was on basketball instead of something else being in the back of mind. He’s less burdened; he’s got clarity. … He knows where he wants to be. He knows where he is now.”

Doncic seemed to echo that sentiment.

“I’m way comfortable,” he added, as he preps for the start of the preseason. “Especially going to training camp, you know, having practice with the guys — like I said, it’s a start for me. But I will feel way more comfortable now.”

Sounds like a guy that's ready to get after it—and doesn't waste any time thinking about Nico Harrison.

The Lakers will kick off their preseason with a game against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 3 at 10 p.m. ET.

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