The Los Angeles Lakers are undergoing a transformation. While they haven’t said it outright, their actions speak louder than any press release. So far, all signs point in one direction: Luka Doncic is the future, and star player LeBron James is no longer at the center of the plan.
According to a new ESPN report, the Lakers had already begun making moves after the surprising acquisition of Doncic in February. Since then, there have been clear signs of a transition underway: strategic shifts, key meetings… and now, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed.
Doncic gets the heads-up
When the Buss family finalized the majority sale of the team to Mark Walter on June 18, Doncic was notified before the official announcement. Shortly after, the Slovenian player posted a public congratulatory message on social media.
LeBron James, on the other hand, wasn’t informed. Nor did he comment on the matter.
It may seem like a simple oversight. But given LeBron’s history and influence within the franchise, it’s hard to believe it was accidental. Everything suggests it was a calculated decision.
Dinners held without LeBron
According to the report, in May, general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick held a private dinner with Doncic and his agent to discuss the future of the Lakers. LeBron was not present.
Another detail that adds to the narrative: after Doncic’s arrival, the Lakers quickly moved to pursue a center-something James had been requesting for years, unsuccessfully. There’s also been no public mention of a possible contract renewal for the veteran player.
Doncic will be the new face of the franchise
All of this seems to confirm that the Lakers are quietly closing the LeBron era and going all-in on Doncic as the new face of the franchise.
And while no one is saying it outright, the facts are clear: the shift has already begun.
If Los Angeles isn’t big enough for two superstars, the Lakers have already chosen the one they want to build their future around.
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