LeBron James ‘Supportive and Understanding’ Los Angeles Lakers Are Moving Toward Luka Dončić-Led Future
LeBron James is “supportive and understanding” of the Los Angeles Lakers moving toward a Luka Dončić-led future, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN.
The Lakers signed Dončić to a three-year, $165 million extension this weekend. Dončić turns 27 in February, while LeBron turns 41 in December. The leading scorer in NBA history becomes an unrestricted free agent next offseason for the first time since 2018.
“I am told he’s been supportive and understanding that the Lakers are moving more toward a Luka Dončić-led future,” Charania said. “Now what does that mean for LeBron James? He’s opted in, so technically, he is a Laker. How will he finish his career, though? Is he gonna play year 23 and finish out in LA 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.”
LeBron facetimed Dončić to congratulate him on his extension with the Lakers, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Dončić and LeBron played 23 games together last season. LA went 15–8.
Dončić averaged 27.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.3 assists next to LeBron, who averaged 23.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists alongside Dončić.
LeBron picked up his 2025-26 player option with the Lakers. He will make $52.6 million next season in the final year of his contract.
Dončić wants LeBron to retire from the NBA with the Lakers, a source told DallasHoopsJournal.com. Dončić, a native of Slovenia, has frequently said LeBron was the player he watched most growing up. The former Dallas Mavericks superstar enjoyed playing alongside LeBron last season and believes the Lakers can contend for the championship next season, the source said.
Following the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets on the first day of free agency, Dončić recruited Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to Los Angeles, the source said. Austin Reaves also recruited Jake LaRavia, the source added.
The Lakers are expected to start Dončić, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron and Ayton next season, multiple sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com.
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