The Los Angeles Lakers made history on Wednesday afternoon. It was announced that the team’s majority stake had been sold at a total valuation of $10 billion, making it the largest franchise sale in North American sports history. Mark Walter is the billionaire businessman who takes over arguably the most popular team in the NBA, and Luka Doncic has something to prove to new ownership, according to FS1’s Colin Cowherd.
Luka Doncic Will Be Under A Microscope According To Colin Cowherd
The Lakers shocked the world back in February when they traded for Doncic. In one of the most surprising deals in any sport in recent memory, the young superstar was traded to Los Angeles for what has been seen as a questionable return package.
One of the rumored reasons for the Dallas Mavericks to pull the trigger on the deal was concerns over Doncic’s conditioning, which has become a talking point ever since. It was said that the team was worried about his commitment to his physical shape and weight, as well as his on-court issues at the defensive end.
Colin says Luka Dončić will have to shape up under the Lakers' new ownership 💪 @colincowherd pic.twitter.com/lBG0hfLb96
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) June 19, 2025
On Thursday, Cowherd chimed in on his opinion of the situation. He pointed out that Walter is also the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have had no problem shipping off star players in recent years. He cited guys like Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, and Manny Machado as examples, as says that the Dodgers could have paid all of them but ultimately chose not to.
Cowherd says that Doncic could eventually suffer the same fate, especially if he doesn’t get his conditioning under control.
“If Luka doesn’t stay in shape, if Luka doesn’t defend at a higher level, they’ll move off of him.”
The initial results were underwhelming. After finishing as the third seed in the tough Western Conference this past season, the Lakers failed to get out of the first round of the postseason. Some of their shortcomings were exposed in their 4-1 series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, including a lack of depth and reliable option at the center position.
They will look to address both of those needs during the coming summer months, and will do so under their new leadership.
