The future of the Los Angeles Lakers is arriving faster than anyone expected — and Luka Doncic just made that crystal clear.
After a blockbuster trade landed the Slovenian superstar in Los Angeles, Doncic is set to begin his first full season in purple and gold. But before he takes the court for the 2025-26 season, Luka made an announcement that shows he’s embracing far more than just basketball greatness — he’s becoming the face of the franchise and a global ambassador for sports.
In a video posted to the Luka Doncic Foundation Instagram page, the Lakers star revealed that he’s been chosen as one of the official ambassadors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“I’m proud to serve as an ambassador for the World Cup in Los Angeles,” Luka said in his post. “The World Cup is the biggest event in sports, so I’m very excited.”
The move instantly connects Doncic to a global audience — and positions him as one of the faces not only of Los Angeles basketball, but of the city itself. Joining him on the ambassador team are Lakers legend Magic Johnson and LA Galaxy icon Cobi Jones, making Luka the newest star to represent Los Angeles on the world stage.
Doncic also shared his deep appreciation for the city he now calls home.
“Los Angeles is a very nice city with lots of culture — it’s a perfect place for the World Cup,” he said. “Sports can bring out the best in people. The World Cup brings everyone together to watch the best players play for their country.”
While Luka’s off-court recognition is impressive, his on-court responsibilities are even greater. With LeBron James sidelined for several weeks due to a glute injury — and whispers growing louder that the King could retire soon — the Lakers are turning to Doncic as their new leader.
And he’s already proving he’s ready for the challenge.
Over the summer, Luka doubled down on his conditioning and led Slovenia through an impressive run at EuroBasket 2025, reminding fans that he’s one of the most skilled and competitive players on the planet. That drive has carried into his preseason form — earlier this week, Doncic lit up the Phoenix Suns with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 22 minutes.
The Lakers open their regular season on Tuesday, October 21, in a marquee showdown against the Golden State Warriors. With LeBron recovering and the team in need of a new spark, all eyes will be on Luka Doncic to guide Los Angeles into its next era.
From NBA hardwoods to the world’s biggest soccer stage, one thing is clear — Luka Doncic isn’t just the Lakers’ present; he’s their future.
