The Los Angeles Lakers have officially secured Luka Doncic for the next three seasons, signing the All-NBA guard to a three-year, $165 million contract extension.
The deal positions the franchise to compete for a championship behind one of the league’s most talented players.
However, the announcement’s celebration was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the absence of two of the team’s most high-profile figures: LeBron James and his son, rookie guard Bronny James.
It was later revealed that LeBron and Bronny were on a previously planned vacation, playing golf during the time of the event.
The Lakers did not issue a formal comment, but according to multiple reports, LeBron FaceTimed Doncic to offer his congratulations after the signing.
At Doncic‘s press conference on Saturday, head coach JJ Redick and at least seven Lakers players-including new additions Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart-were in attendance.
Notably missing were LeBron and Bronny, leading to public speculation and criticism, particularly from veteran broadcaster Dan Patrick, who took exception to someone of Bronny’s lowly roster status not being present.
“You’re the last guy on the roster, you should be there. Show support,” Patrick said on his show, calling out Bronny’s absence.
The criticism hasn’t been universal
Danny Green, a former Lakers player and 2020 NBA champion, defended LeBron‘s absence during his Inside the Green Room podcast.
“Bron is on this golf kick right now… He might have had a commitment or appointment of being somewhere and playing 18 holes, and we didn’t know this press conference was coming up. So they probably had this booked already. Spending time with his son-it’s summertime. He’s earned that,” Green confirmed.
Green acknowledged that expectations may differ for Bronny James, given his rookie status and place on the roster.
“Now Bronny James, could be a debate of what he’s earned, and that’s why Dan Patrick spoke on it-that he should have been there. And maybe so, but he’s spending time with his dad,” he continued.
“I think they both are very much in their own right to have a day of golf together and not be criticized for not showing up to a press conference in the summertime.”
While the attention was diverted by the controversy, the Lakers have quietly had a productive offseason.
The front office addressed significant roster gaps by signing center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart.
Ayton fills a critical need after the team traded Anthony Davis last season, which left them with a noticeable hole in the frontcourt.
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