Luka Doncic Thanks LeBron James After Star Announces Lakers Exit
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Los Angeles — LeBron James has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he plans to continue his career with another team next season, ending an eight-year run with the franchise. In the wake of the decision, new franchise centerpiece Luka Doncic posted a brief message on social media, calling it “a pleasure” to play alongside and learn from the four-time NBA champion.
Doncic’s note underscored the strong relationship the two stars built after the guard’s arrival in Los Angeles. League sources cited by The Athletic said the players had no personal conflicts and stayed in touch this offseason, trading text messages about golf and other off-court interests. James previously went so far as to request that Doncic be introduced last in starting lineups to highlight the younger star.
With James moving on, the Lakers are expected to shift fully into building the roster around Doncic. The 27-year-old guard averaged 32.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 9.4 assists last season, earning All-NBA First Team honors.
Where James will land remains uncertain. According to multiple reports, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing to pursue the 41-year-old forward once free agency opens.
James spent eight seasons in Los Angeles, winning the 2020 NBA championship and surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the league’s all-time leading scorer in 2023. He averaged 25.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 71 games last season.
Source: Lakers Nation
