Luka Dončić and LeBron James had no issues on the Los Angeles Lakers and James is not leaving the Lakers because of Dončić, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.
The Lakers acquired Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025. James and Dončić had a record of 47-25 in the regular season and 1-4 in the playoffs together.
Los Angeles went 53-29 this past regular season. Dončić led the NBA in points per game and total points in his first full season with the Lakers. However, he missed the 2026 playoffs because of the left hamstring injury he suffered on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James led the Lakers to a first-round playoff series win against the Houston Rockets in six games. Without Dončić, though, Los Angeles was swept by Oklahoma City in the second round.
The Lakers have agreed to re-sign Austin Reaves. However, they have lost James and multiple reports have stated that Marcus Smart could join the Rockets and Luke Kennard could sign with the Phoenix Suns.
James is expected to join the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors or Miami Heat. Meanwhile, the Lakers now officially begin the Dončić-Reaves era.
Dončić averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game this past season. He’s still looking to win his first NBA championship. The future Hall of Famer has told the Lakers he wants an “A-list” center next to him, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Deandre Ayton, who started at center for LAL this past season, picked up his player option worth $8.1 million for next season. Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes — who obtained a Slovenian passport to be able to play on the national team with Dončić — is an unrestricted free agent.
Arguably the greatest player in NBA history, James played in 60 games this past season, his 23rd year in the NBA. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game.
James, who has been in the NBA since 2003, is a four-time MVP, four-time champion and four-time Finals MVP. He’s the all-time leader in points, field goals, minutes and games.
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