Sources: Luka Dončić, LeBron James Have Positive Relationship; Dončić Wants James To Re-Sign With Los Angeles Lakers

A report stating that Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James don’t get along is not true, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal.

Dončić and James have a positive relationship and Dončić wants James to re-sign with the Lakers this summer, sources said.

While growing up in Slovenia, Dončić looked up to James and values having him as a teammate, sources said.

Lakers reporter Dan Woike of The Athletic was first to report on Dončić and James not having a negative relationship.

Austin Reaves, who will decline his player option for next season, is expected to re-sign with the Lakers this summer, sources said. The undrafted guard has a close relationship with James as well and wants James to continue playing for the Purple and Gold if he doesn’t retire from the NBA, sources said.

James becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason for the first time since 2018. If the future Hall of Famer doesn’t retire, he can either re-sign with the Lakers, go back to the Cleveland Cavaliers or take his talents to another team like the Golden State Warriors or New York Knicks.

Los Angeles went 53-29 this 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.

Most people who cover the NBA believe that if James doesn’t retire this offseason, he will either re-sign with the Lakers or return to the Cavaliers for a third stint.

James, 41, is the oldest active player in the NBA and has been in the association since 2003. The Akron native is a four-time MVP, four-time champion and four-time Finals MVP. He’s played for the Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat and Lakers and is the all-time leader in points, field goals, games and minutes.

Even though James’ relationship with the Lakers’ front office hasn’t always been the best, president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka told reporters during exit interviews that he would love for James to return next season. It’s also worth mentioning that James is close with head coach JJ Redick, sources said.

Dallas Hoops Journal senior reporter Grant Afseth contributed to this report.

Latest NBA News & Rumors At Dallas Hoops Journal

• LeBron James Feels Taken For Granted By Los Angeles Lakers, Believes Organization Tried To ‘Push Him Out The Door’ With Luka Dončić Trade
• LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Interested In Continuing Partnership  
• Luka Dončić Told Los Angeles Lakers Not To Trade Austin Reaves For Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Joel Embiid ‘Not Happy’ Philadelphia 76ers Traded Jared McCain, Didn’t See Eye-To-Eye With Front Office, Coaching Staff
• Giannis Antetokounmpo Believes Time Has Come For Him And Milwaukee Bucks To Part Ways
• Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics Don’t Have Any ‘Internal Issues’
• Cleveland Cavaliers Contacted Milwaukee Bucks About Blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
• James Harden’s Reps Gauged Houston Rockets’ Trade Interest This Season
• Kevin Durant’s ‘Moodiness’ Took Houston Rockets Players Some Getting Used To, Wore On Team’s Young Guys
• Nikola Jokić Expected To Sign Extension With Denver Nuggets, Who Could Make ‘Real Roster Changes’ This Offseason
• Houston Rockets Could Pursue Trades For Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid
• Portland Trail Blazers To Be Prime Trade Suitor For Giannis Antetokounmpo; May Pursue Anthony Davis
• Nikola Jokić Wants To Stay With Denver Nuggets ‘Forever,’ Says Team Is ‘Far Away’ From Title
• Anthony Davis Could Be Traded By Washington Wizards This Offseason
• LeBron James Opens Up Like Never Before About Michael Jordan GOAT Debate, NBA Finals Record