As is commonplace, the Los Angeles Lakers have dominated the NBA’s offseason headlines. Most recently, it was for the team signing superstar Luka Doncic to a three-year $165 million contract extension.
However, though they locked down their franchise player for the next few years, things aren’t all sunshine and rainbows in LaLaLand right now. LeBron James wasn’t at the press conference confirming the Doncic deal, unlike many of his other Lakers teammates. Since he picked up his player option, things have been a bit strange from his side.
NBA podcaster, insider, and analyst Bill Simmons commented on the Lakers, calling the situation between Doncic and James ‘bizarre,’ saying how, especially for James, he no longer seems ‘in control’ of the team he is on.
“The whole thing is just bizarre to watch,” he said on The Bill Simmons Podcast. “LeBron James has been in control of every situation he’s ever been in, basketball-wise, who has always held the cards. This is the first time ever where that’s not the case.”
James’ offseason has been highlighted by posting workouts, golf videos, and on boats in Europe. Meanwhile, Doncic looks to be in the best shape of his NBA career, a flip of the coin that many wouldn’t have expected for a Lakers team just six months ago.
Luka Doncic Extension
As has been the biggest NBA news recently, Doncic’s extension keeps him in Los Angeles for the next few years, at a minimum. Simmons also commented on the contract and how it sets up the former Dallas Maverick for a massive payday down the road.
“It’s basically a two-year deal. He has a player option for the third year,” Simmons added. “It sets himself up to make a kajillion dollars in 2028.”
Per Shams Charania, Doncic’s deal could set him up to sign a contract worth up to $417 million in 2028. It would be the largest contract in NBA history and cement his career in Los Angeles for the long term.
“This is an amazing organization, and I truly believe in what we’re building together. I’m going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud,” Doncic said after signing the deal. “This is just the beginning. I’m excited for what’s ahead and to keep building something special with this team.”
Doncic’s offseason has also been highlighted by his body transformation, as he’s dropped weight and put himself in the best shape of his career.
“Obviously, be the best that I can be, take care of myself,” Doncic said in an interview with Men’s Health. “This year, with my team, I think we did a huge step. But this is just the start, you know. I need to keep going. Can’t stop.”
Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists on 45% shooting. Even after coming to grips with one of the most shocking moves in NBA history, his production going from Dallas to Los Angeles didn’t slow down, proving his value as a top player in the league today.
LeBron Is Golfing
Meanwhile, James has been posting offseason workouts and golf videos. He was one of only a few Lakers’ players who weren’t at Doncic’s press conference, instead giving a FaceTime call to congratulate him.
In years prior, he would have been the one highlighting his body transformation, but instead, he seems to be the one having a more leisurely summer, instead of showcasing his efforts to maintain his greatness.
While James has been the leader for this Lakers team since he arrived in 2018, the Doncic extension all but proves that isn’t the case anymore. Los Angeles is letting Doncic take the reins, and James’ offseason, as well as Rich Paul’s comments, might mean his time with the team is almost over.
As Simmons said, James has always ‘held the cards’ on whichever team he played for over the past 20 years. Now, that doesn’t seem to be the case. What he’s shown this offseason could just be him enjoying his summer, but it could also mean he’s frustrated with the team’s direction.
Regardless, during Doncic’s press conference, Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka quieted any rumors that James is unsatisfied.
“All the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp, Rich in particular, have been positive and supportive,” Pelinka said. “The dialogue with [Paul] has been open and constant.”
There has been no real proof that the Lakers are teetering on the brink of losing LeBron, but the signs are there. If he were happy, James likely wouldn’t be posting golf and workout videos with unusual captions, away from the team during their biggest news of the summer.
The franchise has dealt with unhappy superstars in the past, but James could be the latest one who could have a major impact on the team going forward.
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