NBA Notes: Lakers, Luka Doncic, Suns, Haywood Highsmith, Nuggets

Lakers

Luka Doncic believes the move from the Mavericks to the Lakers has positioned him better to compete for championships.

Speaking with Slovenia’s SportKlub following a brief appearance in the All-Star Game, Doncic was asked to compare the two organizations.

“I think the organization here is better,” he said. “The Lakers are a truly legendary club, and the organization is legendary too.”

The Lakers’ history backs that up. They own 17 NBA titles and remain built around star power. Dallas reached the Finals with Doncic in 2024 but has struggled since the trade and is tracking toward another missed postseason.

Sources close to Doncic told Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal that a return to the Mavericks is unlikely. Members of Doncic’s camp were unhappy with internal criticism from the Mavs regarding his conditioning, which Afseth reported factored into the split.

Doncic remains close with some former teammates and staff but has not reconnected with coach Jason Kidd.

Suns

The Suns have made it official, signing Haywood Highsmith to a multiyear deal, as relayed by Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.

Highsmith drew interest from multiple playoff teams before choosing Phoenix, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The Lakers and 76ers were among those linked to him.

The 29-year-old has not played this season after knee surgery and a rehab setback, but his agent said he is now healthy. Highsmith spent four seasons with the Heat and is known as a versatile defender who shot 38.8 percent from three over the past two seasons.

John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports reports the second year of the deal is not fully guaranteed.

Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are filling a two way opening by signing KJ Simpson, sources told Charania.

Simpson was drafted by Hornets in 2024 and appeared in 50 games before being waived earlier this month. He averaged 7.3 points in 21.3 minutes per game.

Denver opened the spot after promoting Spencer Jones to a standard contract. Simpson will be eligible for up to 16 games this season, depending on when the deal is finalized.