Luka Doncic is in constant communication with Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick this offseason, with the six-time All-Star expecting the front office to deliver on a championship-caliber roster they have long promised would come in the summer of 2026, sources told ESPN.

"Luka wants to be a championship team yesterday," a source close to Doncic said. "Ever since the trade, they've always told us: 'summer of '26. We'll show you in the summer of '26.' So, we are so excited that the summer of '26 is here."

Doncic, who led the NBA in scoring at 33.5 points per game last season before a Grade 2 left hamstring strain ended his regular season and playoffs, was cleared for basketball activities May 28 and is healthy entering his offseason training program in Slovenia.

"He's in full go mode," one source said.

The 27-year-old has communicated one clear roster priority to Pelinka and Redick, the same request he made upon arriving in Los Angeles 16 months ago.

"Luka's first and foremost desire is an A-list center," a source said.

The preference reflects both offensive and defensive considerations. A rim-running big man would expand Doncic's already potent offensive arsenal, while a capable defensive presence at the position is viewed as necessary to compete with the Western Conference's elite, including Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic, who both finished ahead of Doncic in MVP voting this season.

Current centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes both face uncertain futures. Ayton holds an $8.1 million player option he must exercise by June 29 or become an unrestricted free agent. Hayes, also an unrestricted free agent, is in line for a raise after playing near the veteran minimum.

Doncic has remained in contact with LeBron James and Austin Reaves since the season ended but has not actively recruited either player, sources said. Most conversations with teammates have centered on golf, a sport Doncic took up in February.