LeBron James Congratulates Luka Dončić After Extension with the Lakers
Los Angeles – While the ink was still drying on the three-year, $165 million extension contract that Luka Dončić signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, the player’s phone began to vibrate. The call was from LeBron James, who has been the face of the franchise for the last seven seasons. Sources close to the situation confirmed that James congratulated Dončić via a video call, after the contract was signed and before Dončić participated in a press conference at the Lakers’ training facility on Saturday. Although James was not among the teammates who attended the press conference or the trip to Las Vegas for the Backstreet Boys concert at Sphere, the call continued the support James has shown to Dončić since the Lakers surprised the basketball world by signing the 26-year-old superstar in February.James stated this on February 4, in his first public comments after his long-time teammate, Anthony Davis, was traded to Dallas to acquire Dončić. The Lakers had a 16-7 record in the games that James and Dončić played together at the end of the regular season. When asked about Dončić’s imminent contract decision following the Lakers’ first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, James said he wanted Dončić to stay, but that he wouldn’t try to influence his decision.Luka has been my favorite NBA player for a while.
LeBron James
While James’ feelings toward Dončić have been consistent, sources indicate that both players respect each other, James’ thoughts on the Lakers are not so clear. James exercised the option on his final contract year worth $52.6 million in June, preparing for his 23rd season in the league in 2025-26 with the Lakers. However, when James opted to continue, his agent and Klutch Sports CEO, Rich Paul, issued a statement that opened the door to speculation about how the final chapter of the four-time champion’s career would unfold.I obviously hope he stays long-term. Lakers fans love him here. Los Angeles has embraced him. We want him as a teammate, as a brother. But ultimately, he has to make a decision for himself. I won’t be around here much longer.
LeBron James
Paul added:LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We greatly appreciate the partnership we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers a fundamental part of his career.
Rich Paul
When asked on Saturday about Paul’s statement and James’ future, Rob Pelinka, president of basketball operations and general manager of the Lakers, said that the team and James’ camp remain on good terms.We understand the difficulty of winning now while preparing for the future. We want to assess what’s best for LeBron at this stage of his life and career. He wants every season he has left to count, and the Lakers understand, support him, and want the best for him.
Rich Paul
As for what’s next for James beyond next season, Pelinka said the team would follow the 40-year-old star’s lead.All the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp, with Rich in particular, have been positive and supportive. The dialogue with [Paul] has been open and constant.
Rob Pelinka
NBA reporter Marc Stein was the first to report on James’ efforts to contact Dončić for a congratulatory call on Saturday.I think the most important thing we have to do is respect his decision and that of his family regarding how long he is going to play. We want to respect his ability to set his schedule. I think that’s really important. But if he had the opportunity to retire as a Laker, that would be great.
Rob Pelinka
