LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers faced a tough end to their 2025 season, falling 4-1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Amid the disappointment, questions about the team’s future, particularly regarding superstar Luka Doncic, have taken center stage. Some media reported James’ candid response to inquiries about Doncic’s long-term plans with the Lakers, shedding light on the dynamics between the two stars as the franchise looks ahead
The Lakers acquired Doncic in a blockbuster trade midseason, pairing him with James to create a formidable duo. Despite a strong regular season, finishing with 50 wins and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference-their best since the 2020 championship-the team struggled in the playoffs.
Doncic, at 26, has been a focal point for the Lakers’ future, with fans eager to know if he’ll sign a long-term extension this summer. When asked if he’d influence Doncic’s decision, James didn’t mince words. “No, that ain’t my job,” he said, per ESPN. “I think-I don’t think, I know, Luka knows how I feel about him.”
James, who turned 40 in December, emphasized the age gap and his limited role in Doncic’s career trajectory. “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,” he added. However, he couldn’t resist showing some hope, noting, “But I hope, obviously, [he stays long term]. Laker fans f—ing love him here.
The comments reflect James’ admiration for Doncic, whom he previously called his “favorite player in the NBA for a while now” during a February 2025 press conference after a win over the Clippers, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Doncic’s integration into the Lakers has been a mixed bag. While the team secured home-court advantage for the first time since 2012, their small-ball style exposed roster deficiencies, particularly a lack of depth and rim protection, as noted by The Guardian. General Manager Rob Pelinka has made it clear that Doncic is central to the team’s long-term vision.
“Luka will be at the center of what we build long-term,” Pelinka said at Doncic’s introductory press conference. James’ blunt stance, however, underscores his focus on his own legacy as he nears the end of his career, potentially playing through the 2025-26 season, as reported by The Athletic.
