Luka Doncic wants LeBron James to finish his career with Los Angeles Lakers despite growing tensions | NBA News
NBA icon Luka Doncic recently expressed his opinions clearly regarding playing with another giant, LeBron James. In recent weeks, the relationship between two players has been in the news. This happened particularly after a number of stories indicated that the four-time NBA champion wasn’t overly happy about the team focusing on the new player from a business and game perspective. Meanwhile, according to a recent Dallas Hoops Journal report, Luka Doncic doesn’t want the NBA’s all-time top scorer to push but to finish his career in purple and gold.
Luka Doncic opens up about LeBron James while staying in the Los Angeles Lakers amid trade rumors
LeBron James and Luka Doncic have a history. In a stunning trade that sent 2020 NBA champion Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the Slovenian guard, the Los Angeles Lakers’ front staff matched them together prior to the 2025 trade deadline.The Slovenian superstar has made his position clear behind closed doors. This happened despite mounting tensions about LeBron James’ schedule and the team’s decision to center itself around Luka Doncic.Additionally, rumors started circulating after Rich Paul’s cryptic remarks went viral as the NBA giant decided to opt into the last year of his contract. Moreover, an ESPN report claiming that the NBA giant felt “disrespected” by the L.A. Lakers’ choice to switch to Luka Doncic further ignited a fire.However, neither the team’s front office nor LeBron James’ camp have formally pursued a trade or buyout. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is making every effort to silence the commotion. According to him, the NBA icon will spend the rest of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He wanted him to retire while wearing the yellow and purple jersey.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic are L.A. Lakers’ teammates (Image via Getty Images)
Moreover, according to people close to the organization, Luka Doncic is actively recruiting around LeBron James rather than merely putting up with his presence. The NBA icon will get $52.6 million in the final year of his contract next season. It would be exactly what Luka Doncic wants if he decides to retire following the 2025–2026 season. On the other hand, this weekend, the 26-year-old Luka Doncic is anticipated to sign a contract extension with the L.A. Lakers.Also read: Lakers reportedly sidelining LeBron James from key decisions amid Luka Doncic era and team ownership shift
