The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office is centering its long-term plans on Luka Doncic, and LeBron James is said to be comfortable with that direction, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
In recent days the organization celebrated Doncic’s newly signed extension, while James continued his offseason break. The four-time MVP did not attend the guard’s press conference but congratulated his teammate via FaceTime, a move Charania described as “supportive and understanding.”
James, 40, exercised his player option for the 2025-26 campaign without negotiating an additional contract, raising the possibility that next season could be his last in Los Angeles. Despite the Lakers’ focus on constructing a roster around the 26-year-old Doncic, Charania said the franchise recognizes that James intends to determine the timing and circumstances of his retirement.
Quote from Shams Charania
“He’s been supportive and understanding that the Lakers are moving more toward a Luka Doncic-led future,” Charania said. “He wants to end his career on his own terms, and I think he’s earned the right to do that.”
Imagem: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images via lakersnation.com
General manager Rob Pelinka echoed that sentiment earlier this summer, stating the club will respect James’ wishes while adding that it “would be great” if the NBA’s all-time leading scorer finished his career in purple and gold.
Source: LakersNation
