Lakers boss opens up on Doncic deal and LeBron retirement
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka spoke about Luka Doncic’s new deal and LeBron’s future with the team.
Rob Pelinka, the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, spoke to the media during Saturday’s press conference, where it was announced that Slovenian star Luka Dončić had put pen to paper on a new deal worth $165 million.
In addition to the new contract for Dončić — now the Lakers’ new poster boy — Pelinka also addressed the future of longtime face of the franchise, LeBron James, who is gradually approaching the end of a glittering career at the top of elite sport. With the Lakers’ future hopes now firmly pinned on Dončić, it raises an interesting question: what should they do with LeBron?
The 40-year-old opted into his $52.6 million player option for the upcoming season, turning heads with the striking brevity of the deal. James averaged 24.4 points on 51.3% shooting, along with 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds during the 2024–25 season.
As usual ROB PELINKA is sleeping 😴 pic.twitter.com/47EqLKO2o9
— Hungry lakers (@HungryLakers) August 3, 2025
“All the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp, Rich Paul in particular, have been very positive and supportive,” Pelinka said when asked about James’ future. “Very professional and Rich has been great. The dialogue with him has been open and constant.
“In terms of LeBron’s career,” he continued, “I think the No. 1 thing we have to do there is respect he and his family’s decision in terms of how long he’s going to play. I think that’s first and foremost. We want to respect his ability to come up with his timetable and that’s really important. If he had the chance to retire as a Laker, that would be great.”
The Lakers have added Ayton, Smart and free agent Jake LaRavia to their roster, and Pelinka made clear that business was very much not over: “We like the upgrades we were able to make to the roster,” he said. “But by no means are we going to be satisfied. I think every year we’re on an infinite cycle to try to improve this team and win championships, and we’ll stay committed to that work.”
Signing Luka got Pelinka acting DIFFERENT 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/isKJJwAp0e
— LakersSpin (@LakersSpin) August 3, 2025
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On Doncic, Pelinka said: “Six months ago to the day the Los Angeles Lakers chose Luka Doncic through a trade where he came to our franchise. Today, Luka Doncic chose the Los Angeles Lakers, and that is a monumental moment in Lakers history. And we could not be more grateful for you choosing this partnership. The best young basketball player in the universe joins for the long-term future, the best sports franchise on the globe.”
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