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When the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic more than a week ago, they did more than acquire a star player. The organization added a player that it anticipates being the face of the Lakers for years to come.
And that type of player, well, he doesn’t come alone.
When the Lakers signed LeBron James in 2018, agent Rich Paul, business manager Maverick Carter, trainer Mike Mancias and trusted confidante Randy Mims had important roles in and around the organization. And now that the Lakers have Doncic, a new support team is a part of the story.
“We’re going to partner with him and I should mention, too, his amazing team who is now part of our family led by Lara Beth [Seager] and Bill Duffy and the rest of the folks that are here today,” Rob Pelinka said in Doncic’s introductory news conference. “When we make decisions around superstar players, we partner and collaborate with them and that will be our process.”
So who are the key figures on Doncic’s team? Here’s a quick look:
Lara Beth Seager, chief brand officer and business manager
Seager has worked with Doncic since 2020, managing his biggest endorsement deals with Jordan Brand, Gatorade and Panini. She’s the CEO of the Luka Doncic Foundation and 77X, his creative company. If it’s important to Doncic, Seager is involved.
Before working with Doncic, Seager worked with Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki to produce some of the biggest moments late in his career like his final home game, his jersey retirement and the planning and unveiling of his statue.
Bill Duffy and Quique Villalobos, agents
A longtime NBA agent, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame included Duffy on its ballot for the Class of 2025 as a contributor to the game.
After starring at Santa Clara and being selected in the 1982 NBA draft by Denver, Duffy moved into representation and has a client list that’s included Hall of Famers Steve Nash and Yao Ming. He currently represents Anthony Edwards, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Scottie Barnes. His agency, BDA Sports Management, was acquired by WME (William Morris Endeavor) in 2023.
Duffy first met Doncic when he was playing at Real Madrid at 15 years old.
Villalobos, based in Madrid, works with Duffy as an international agent. He also played professionally for Real Madrid and the Spanish national basketball team.
Javier Barrio and Anze Macek, medical team
Doncic’s medical team — Barrio, a physiotherapist and podiatrist, and Macek, a strength and conditioning coach — joined him in 2023 just as the Mavericks reorganized their medical staff when removing trainer Casey Smith, who Hall of Fame journalist Marc Stein described as “one of Doncic’s closes allies” in the organization. Barrio worked with Doncic at Real Madrid and Macek worked with him on the Slovenian national basketball team.
Sasa Doncic, father
A former pro basketball player and coach, Sasa Doncic made some news in the wake of the trade when he criticized Dallas for how they handed the deal.
“I understand there comes a moment when you disagree with a certain philosophy — you don’t like this or that player, all good, get it,” he said in an interview translated by Arena Sport. “But I think that exactly this secrecy, or should I say from some individuals, maybe even hypocrisy, this hurts me personally. Because I think that Luka absolutely doesn’t deserve this.”
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.