LeBron James congratulates Luka Doncic on his new contract with Lakers

LeBron James Congratulates Luka Dončić After Extension with the Lakers

Luka Dončić’s three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers was celebrated with a special call. LeBron James, an emblematic figure of the team, congratulated Dončić after the agreement was signed. Sources close to the situation confirmed that James contacted Dončić via video call, right after the contract was made official and before the player’s press conference at the Lakers’ training facilities. Although James was not present at the conference or on the team’s trip to Las Vegas for a concert, the call reaffirms the support he has shown towards Dončić since the player arrived at the Lakers in February.

“Luka has been my favorite player in the NBA for a while,” James commented on February 4, in his first public statements after Anthony Davis’s trade to Dallas.

LeBron James

During the regular season, the Lakers achieved a record of 16-7 in the games that James and Dončić played together. Faced with Dončić’s imminent decision regarding his contract, James expressed his desire for the player to remain on the team, although he would respect his decision.

“I hope he stays long-term,” James said on April 30. “Lakers fans adore him here. Los Angeles has embraced him. We want him as a teammate, as a brother. But, in the end, he has to make a decision for himself. I won’t be around much longer.”

LeBron James

While James’ feelings towards Dončić have been consistent, James’ situation with the Lakers is less clear. James opted for the final year of his contract, worth $52.6 million, which will keep him with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season, marking his twenty-third season in the league. However, statements from his agent, Rich Paul, opened the door to speculation about the player’s future.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said on June 29. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic opportunity to win it all. We are very grateful for the partnership we have had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers a fundamental part of his career.

Rich Paul

Rob Pelinka, Lakers’ president of basketball operations, stated that the relationship between the team and James’ camp remains positive. Pelinka added that the team will respect James’ decision on when to retire.

“I think the most important thing we have to do is respect his decision and that of his family about how much time he’s going to play,” Pelinka said. “We want to respect his ability to set his own schedule. I think that’s really important. But if he had the opportunity to retire as a Laker, that would be great.”

Rob Pelinka