US EditionLeBron James 'Supportive' as Lakers Make Luka Dončić Face of Franchise with Contract Extension, per Report
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, AUG 4 – LeBron James congratulated Luka Doncic via FaceTime after Doncic signed a $165 million extension with the Lakers, signaling support amid speculation about James's future with the team.
- At the Lakers' press conference on Saturday, LeBron James was notably absent as Luka Doncic signed his three-year, $165 million extension.
- Amid his emergence as a generational superstar, the Lakers moved to lock in Luka Doncic with the new deal, despite doubts over its completion.
- Despite missing the event, LeBron James FaceTimed Luka Doncic on Saturday morning to congratulate him, and Coach JJ Redick, Maxi Kleber, and Marcus Smart attended, while owner Mark Walter gifted a concert trip.
- LeBron James's absence at Doncic's press conference fueled speculation about his future, with Rich Paul stating at least four teams are interested, despite his preference to stay with the Lakers.
- Opting into his $52.6 million player option in June, LeBron James is set for the 2025-26 season, which could be his last in Los Angeles, and reportedly supports a Doncic-led future.
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Bill Simmons Perfectly Sums Up LeBron James and Luka Doncic Situation as Lakers Brace for New Battle
“Luka, be your f—— self. Don’t fit in, fit the f— out.” It was the first time that Luka Doncic played a game as a Laker, and LeBron James sent a short but powerful message. The 26-year-old has apparently taken this message to heart. First, helping the franchise in recruiting players in Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, and then extending his contract with the Purple and Gold. So, has he truly taken the keys from James? That’s the question everyone…
Sources: LeBron congratulated Luka on new deal - Daily news Update
Dave McMenaminAug 4, 2025, 05:01 PM ET Close Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN. Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09. LOS ANGELES — As the ink was still drying on the three-year, $165 million contract extension Luka Doncic signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, Doncic’s phone started buzzing with the player who has been the face of th…
LeBron accepts Luka's lead as Lakers' $200M future unfolds in LA drama
Lakers’ New Chapter: LeBron Embraces Luka’s Leadership in LA The Los Angeles Lakers are once again the center of attention in the NBA, especially after their high-profile trade for Luka Dončić prior to last season’s trade deadline. This pivotal move has set off a chain reaction of intrigue as the franchise navigates its future. The drama surrounding the Lakers intensified recently, particularly when LeBron James and his representatives made head…
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