James Congratulates Doncic on New Extension
As the Los Angeles Lakers celebrated Luka Doncic’s recent contract extension, LeBron James took time to enjoy his summer away from the basketball court. Although he did not attend Doncic’s press conference, he reached out via FaceTime to extend his congratulations on the new deal.
Initially, some speculated whether James’s absence suggested a passive-aggressive stance, but it is not uncommon for NBA players to have conflicting schedules.
Future Uncertain for James
The 2025-26 season could mark James’s final year with the Lakers as he has opted into his player option without a new contract being formalized. The organization is prioritizing a future built around Doncic, which may position James as a secondary focus in their long-term plans.
Despite these changes, James is reportedly supportive of the Lakers’ shift towards a Doncic-led team. Shams Charania of ESPN shared insights on James’s perspective:
“I am told he’s been supportive and understanding that the Lakers are moving more towards a Luka Doncic-led future. Now, what does that mean for LeBron James? He’s opted in, so technically he’s a Laker. How will he finish his career though? Is he gonna play Year 23 and finish out in L.A. and that’s gonna be it? At the end of the day, I think the Lakers even understand he’s gonna end his career on his own terms. He wants to end his career on his own terms and I think he’s earned the right to do that. We just don’t know what that looks like yet.”
Dallas Rookie’s Future with Lakers
James’s acceptance of the Lakers’ new direction is promising, especially considering Doncic’s status as a generational talent now entering his prime. Los Angeles must surround him with the necessary support to pursue championships.
For James, a healthy and driven Doncic could offer the best opportunity to win at least one more title before retiring. While the current situation may not be ideal for him, both the Lakers and Doncic represent the most logical choice for James as he plans the final stages of his career.
Rob Pelinka’s Vision for James’s Retirement
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations and general manager, expressed that it would be ideal for James to retire with the franchise, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to honoring superstar players.
“It would be great if he retired with the team,” Pelinka noted.
