Luka is officially a beach guy. Not just any beach, though. He’s settled into the "Hill Section" of Manhattan Beach, and honestly, the neighborhood hasn't stopped buzzing since the moving trucks pulled up. It wasn’t just a simple real estate transaction. It was a statement.
The Slovenian superstar didn't just buy a house; he bought a fortress formerly owned by tennis legend Maria Sharapova. For $25 million.
Yeah, you read that right.
The Manhattan Beach Vibe and Why It Fit Luka
Manhattan Beach is basically the unofficial locker room for L.A. sports royalty. You've got Kings players, Dodgers, and now the centerpiece of the Lakers' future all within a few blocks. But for Luka Doncic Manhattan Beach represents something he’s never had in his professional career: the ocean.
During the Mind the Game podcast with LeBron James, Luka was pretty blunt about it. He mentioned how Ljubljana, Madrid, and Dallas are great, but they’re all landlocked. He’s a "water guy." He likes the serenity. He also mentioned he hates the traffic, which, welcome to L.A., Luka.
💡 You might also like: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
But why this specific spot?
Privacy is the currency in the South Bay. Unlike Beverly Hills, where tour buses crawl past gates, Manhattan Beach locals kind of just let you be. You might see a 6'7" point guard grabbing a smoothie, and the most he'll get is a "Good game, man." It’s a low-key environment for a guy who just wants to grill a steak and play video games after a triple-double.
Inside the $25 Million "Sharapova" House
This isn't your typical beach cottage. It’s a three-story architectural beast. Designed by KAA Design and built by the Minardos Group, the place is a mix of exposed concrete, glass, and steel. It’s very "industrial-meets-Zen."
Here is what $25 million gets you in the Hill Section:
📖 Related: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
- A Two-Lane Bowling Alley: Because why go to the local lanes when you can strike out in your basement?
- The "Great Room": A massive living space where the glass walls literally disappear, opening the whole floor to an infinity pool.
- Japanese Influence: The design is heavily inspired by Japanese minimalism—lots of clean lines and wood accents.
- Ocean Views: From the top floors, you can see all the way to Palos Verdes.
Sharapova was famously hands-on with the build back in 2015. She didn't delegate. She wanted it perfect. Luka basically walked into a masterpiece that was already tailored for an elite athlete’s lifestyle.
The Lakers Context: Is He Here for Good?
The timing of the Luka Doncic Manhattan Beach purchase coincided perfectly with his massive contract extension. We’re talking three years and $165 million. You don't drop $25 million on a permanent residence if you're planning on being a "rental" player.
His business manager, Lara Beth Seager, handled the deal off-market. It never even hit the public listings. That’s how the big players do it—keep the noise down until the ink is dry.
Training and the "Skinny Luka" Era
Living in Manhattan Beach puts him just a short drive from the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo. This is crucial because this past offseason was personal for Luka. After the Lakers were bounced early in 2025, he reportedly texted his team one day later: "If I stop now, it was all for nothing."
👉 See also: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
He spent the summer working with "Team Luka"—a nutritionist and wellness specialists—to finally shed the "dad bod" narrative. Being five minutes away from the practice facility makes those 6:00 AM cardio sessions a lot easier to stomach.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that Luka is selling his Dallas roots. Actually, he still owns his modernist ranch in DFW. He isn't erasing his past; he's just building a very expensive bridge to his future.
Another thing? People think these guys live right on the sand. Usually, they don't. The "Strand" (the houses directly on the beach) is loud and full of tourists. The "Hill Section," where Luka is, provides the lot size and the elevation for those views without the headache of someone peeking through your window while they walk their dog.
Actionable Takeaways for the Curious
- Check the Hill Section: if you're ever in the area, the Hill Section is the place for architecture nerds, but keep it moving—the locals value their quiet.
- Watch the Practice Schedule: If you’re looking to spot Lakers, El Segundo and Manhattan Beach are the hotspots, especially around mid-morning.
- Monitor the Stats: See if the shorter commute and the "ocean air" actually translate to the court. So far, a leaner, faster Luka suggests the lifestyle change is working.
Luka is clearly making L.A. his own. The house is just the anchor. Between the new contract, the fitness transformation, and the $25 million Japanese-style compound, the message is loud: the Luka era in Southern California is just getting started.