When Luka Donĉić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, many fans were shocked. Upon his arrival in Los Angeles, Donĉić was met with much fanfare and excitement from the Lakers’ fan base.
There was speculation on how happy Donĉić would be in LA and if he would stay long term, but those are questions to answer after the season ends. However, considering the fanfare, it’s likely Donĉić stays with the purple and gold.
Luka Dončić Collaborates With Gatorade
It was announced on Monday, Feb. 24, that Dončić and Gatorade will collaborate on a new venture. The venture is for a new limited-time water bottle that will be released for $34.99.
Gatorade is releasing a limited-time $34.99 bottle in collaboration with Luka Dončić.
Gatorade: "Gatorade knows every athlete is one-of-one and every journey is different. We are excited to collaborate with Luka on his custom bottle drop while he embraces his new journey in LA." pic.twitter.com/u3TBlz89Sr
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 24, 2025
Gatorade seems ecstatic about their new collaboration with Donĉić.
“Gatorade knows every athlete is one-of-one and every journey is different. We are excited to collaborate with Luka on his custom bottle drop while he embraces his new journey in LA.”
This venture seems to imply that Gatorade envisions a long history with Dončić during his tenure with the Lakers. While the full length of Dončić’s time in Los Angeles isn’t currently known, there’s been some implications that he would consider staying for the long haul.
Will Donĉić Remain With the Lakers Long Term?
After the Donĉić for Anthony Davis trade was completed, the main talking point from many was about the Slovenian’s age and how it was a great trade for Los Angeles. Dončić will turn 26 this week, which means he has a long career left in the NBA.
There have been several reports stating that the Lakers are under immense pressure to sign Donĉić long term, and it seems to be heading in that direction. There has been no implication on Donĉić’s part that gives off the impression that he would look elsewhere. He has implied that he feels the Lakers have what it takes to win a championship, and this Gatorade collaboration seems to hint at his future plans.
Donĉić, who is currently averaging 26.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists this season, is still adjusting to the Lakers’ offense, but he looked like his old self against the Denver Nuggets, which was a good sign.
It remains to be seen how far this Lakers team can go, but there’s a lot of excitement about the prospect of what Dončić and younger teammates like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura could do together once LeBron James retires.
If Donĉić does indeed stay with Los Angeles for the long haul, one would imagine that endorsement deals and collaborations like this Gatorade deal will continue to roll in at a rapid rate.
