LeBron James skips Luka Doncic’s Lakers extension presser: here’s what he really thinks about the deal
Although many Lakers players were at the event, LeBron wasn’t there to celebrate Doncic’s extension in person.
Luka Doncic has dominated the NBA news cycle in recent days, first by revealing his impressive physical transformation, and then by signing a three-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, who he joined from the Dallas Mavericks in February.
LeBron skips Doncic’s extension presser
On Saturday (August 2), the Lakers held a press conference to officially announce Doncic’s extended deal, with a host of the Slovenian’s teammates, as well as head coach JJ Redick, in attendance. One man who didn’t show up, however, was LeBron James.
The four-time MVP has undoubtedly been the Californian franchise’s superstar player since moving to L.A. in 2018. But with LeBron now aged 40, the Lakers’ decision to acquire Doncic in a blockbuster trade has been seen as an attempt to move on from the veteran forward.
Speculation over James’ Lakers future
James has been continuously linked with a trade away from Los Angeles despite exercising his $52.6 million option for the 2025-26 season, which contains a no-trade clause. However, although the Lakers have effectively handed Doncic the keys to the franchise with his extension, GM Rob Pelinka recently stated his hope LeBron would “retire as a Laker.”
Two generational talents, Doncic and James sparkled alongside one another in the closing months of the 2024-25 season, although that wasn’t enough to prevent the Lakers from losing in the first round of the postseason to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Last month, Doncic’s manager Beth Seager explained her client hoped to continue his partnership with the 21-time All-Star for a while longer yet. “Luka loves playing with LeBron and has learned so much from him,” she stated. “He has nothing but the utmost respect for LeBron and considers it an honor to be his teammate.”
LeBron James reaches out to Luka Doncic after extension
NBA insider Marc Stein has revealed on his Substack that despite his absence from the weekend press conference, James called Doncic on Saturday morning, when it was announced the former Mavs star would be extending his Lakers contract.
“LeBron and son Bronny James were noticeably not in attendance at the news conference,” reported Stein. “But I’m told that LeBron FaceTimed Doncic on Saturday morning to congratulate him on the new deal.”
Despite the speculation sparked by LeBron’s absence, all indications are that he and Doncic remain on the best of terms, with mutual respect and a shared focus on chasing another championship in Los Angeles.
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