Lakers’ Luka Doncic Sends Strong LeBron James Message
July 29, 2025
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The Los Angeles Lakers are set to play the 2025-26 NBA season with Luka Doncic and LeBron James leading the way.
Gone are the days of James being the franchise player for the team. Doncic has taken that role over for the Lakers already after being acquired before the trade deadline last year.
During the offseason, there have been rumblings about James being unhappy. His future with Los Angeles seems very much in doubt. While he has one year left on his contract, the two sides could part ways next offseason and James might need to find a new team in free agency.
LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on April 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on April 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
While the reports surrounding James and the Lakers have not been positive, Doncic has a very different view of the 40-year-old superstar.
Read more: Lakers’ Bronny James Offers Major Update About His Health
In a recent interview during a baseball game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, Doncic sent a strong message about James.
He made it clear that he enjoys playing with James and that the longtime superstar welcomed him with open arms.
“It was an amazing experience. I always looked up to him, the way he approaches the game, his professionalism,” Doncic said. “So, when I came [to the Lakers last season], he accepted me with open arms.”
There are major questions about the fit of James and Doncic. In the playoffs last season, things did not go well. Los Angeles was quickly eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.
Even though there are questions about James and Doncic as a superstar duo, the issues were much bigger than them. Los Angeles struggled in a big way defensive and at the center position.
Read more: New York Knicks Get Major LeBron James Update
To help address those issues, the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton following his buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers and also brought in veteran defender Marcus Smart after his buyout with the Washington Wizards. Jake LaRavia was also signed shortly after NBA free agency opened.
It will be interesting to see how Doncic and James play alongside each other in their first full year together. With a full offseason of adjustments, the hope is that the team will look much better than it did in the second half of last year.
At the very least, it’s very clear that Doncic is a big fan of James and that there are not issues between the two players that could cause issues.
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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