The Los Angeles Lakers solidified their future this offseason by signing Luka Doncic to a three-year, $165 million extension that includes a player option for the 2028/29 NBA season for the 26-year-old Slovenian.
In doing so, they not only locked in a generational talent but also indicated their long-term vision of building around European, as he prepares to take over from LeBron James when the latter leaves or retires.
The 40-year-old forward remains an impactful contributor, and his presence adds layers of complexity to the Los Angeles transition era as he opts into his $52.63 million contract for the next campaign.
But uncertainty remains around how long he intends to keep playing, yet according to a report from DallasHoopsJournal.com, Doncic has a clear stance on the matter.
“Doncic wants LeBron to retire from the NBA with the Lakers, a source told DallasHoopsJournal.com,” the outlet said. “Doncic, a native of Slovenia, has frequently said LeBron was the player he watched most growing up.
“The former Dallas Mavericks superstar enjoyed playing alongside LeBron last season and believes the Lakers can contend for the championship next season, the source said.”
Statistically, Doncic made an immediate impact in his first 28 games with the Lakers, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists and together with LeBron, he makes half of one of the league’s most dynamic duos.
Alongside the Slovenian, James continued to defy age with averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists across 70 games in his 22nd NBA season as he continues to set records.
Doncic moves on from the Dallas Mavericks as he enters new LA Lakers chapter
The ex-Mavericks star arrived in Los Angeles following a sensational midseason trade, which came as a shock after leading Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals – where they were defeated by the Boston Celtics.
While the trade initially caused frustration, he has since embraced his new role and new life besides both on and off the court as he pens a brand new deal at the Crypto.com Arena.
“He’s moved on,” Lara Beth Seager said to The Athletic. “He’s only looking forward. And he’s here. He wants to get the best players here. He wants to win, and he knows it starts with him.
“And I think that’s what he proved this offseason. ‘OK, everyone wants to say or people think that they know me or I’m not a leader or I’m this way, or I’m that way, I don’t care. They can think and say whatever they want. I’m going to show them who I am.'”
The Lakers hope the partnership can extend beyond just statistical success. After consecutive first-round NBA Playoff exits in 2024 and 2025, the team is intent on pushing deeper into the postseason as they chase their first championship since 2020.
Doncic‘s commitment to the franchise and his desire to see James retire in purple and gold reflects both personal admiration and a broader belief in the team’s potential.
So as the 2025/26 season approaches, the Lakers will be aiming to not only contend but to ensure one of the game’s legends finishes his career in a fitting jersey, while a new one carves his own legacy in Los Angeles.
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