Like LeBron James, Luka Doncic has a pivotal decision to ponder this summer.
Doncic, who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in February, could sign a contract extension with the organization in free agency (he must wait until Aug. 2).
The offensive wizard isn’t 100% sure he wants to commit to the Lakers long-term, but he’ll have ample time to weigh the pros and cons of making an offseason statement.
Will James, contemplating retirement, attempt to persuade Doncic to appease Rob Pelinka and the Lakers in the upcoming months? The four-time NBA champion made a straightforward announcement regarding the subject.
“No, that ain’t my job,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin Friday. “I think … I don’t think, I know, Luka knows how I feel about him.”
“And ultimately, that trade happened for the future. That’s not for me. Luka has to decide what he has to do with his future. He’s (26 years old), I’m 40, so he can’t be basing his career off me. That’s just real.”
“But I hope, obviously, (he stays long term). Laker fans (expletive) love him here. L.A. has accepted him. We love him as a teammate, as a brother. But ultimately, he’s got to make a decision for him. (expletive) I ain’t going to be around much longer.”
Doncic didn’t choose to continue his professional basketball career with the Lakers.
Still, his production in Los Angeles suggests he’s gotten over the initial shock (blockbuster deal involving Doncic and Anthony Davis) and avoided feeling sorry for himself.
In 28 regular-season contests, the multifaceted offensive threat averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, shooting 43.8% from the field and 37.9% from three-point land.
Doncic gave Los Angeles a much-needed spark during an essential portion of the season, helping the third-seeded Lakers enter the playoffs with momentum.
Unfortunately, the Lakers failed to overcome their massive big man issue, making it impossible for them to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round of the postseason.
Doncic’s 30.2 points per contest weren’t enough, as the Lakers were eliminated after losing their fourth game of the series on Wednesday.
Now that Los Angeles’ offseason has begun, Doncic’s looming contract decision and James’ uncertain future with the organization will be the main topics of discussion, and rightfully so.
