LeBron’s True Feelings on Luka’s Extension With Lakers Revealed

The Los Angeles Lakers have ushered in a new era in their franchise history with Luka Doncic‘s extension over the weekend.

Doncic is now clearly the face of the franchise, with most of his Lakers teammates in attendance. Noticeably absent was LeBron James, who was the face of the Lakers franchise before Doncic arrived in the middle of last season via a shocking swap with James’ close friend and fellow Klutch Sports client, Anthony Davis.

The Lakers’ seismic organizational pivot from James to Doncic has fueled speculation about James’ future, especially after he did not get an extension this summer.

So, where does James stand after watching from afar the Lakers handing the keys to Doncic on Aug. 2 with a three-year, $165 million extension?

Despite the negative publicity that James’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul’s previous statement, has generated, James remains supportive of Doncic and the franchise, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“The one thing I can say, though, is that he has been very supportive and very understanding of where this Lakers organization is headed, and that’s what Luca Doncic is the face [of the franchise],” Charania said on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Aug. 4. “And I think the Lakers, as well, are equally as understanding that he wants to be in a situation where he feels comfortable, and at the end of the day, ending his career on his own terms.”

Lakers Offseason Receives Positive Feedback

Lakers president Rob Pelinka essentially said the same during Doncic’s press conference on Aug. 2 when asked about James’ sentiment about their roster-building this offseason.

“So all the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp, Rich in particular, have been positive and supportive, so very professional and Rich [Paul] has been great,” Pelinka told reporters. “The dialogue with him has been open and constant. So that helps answer that question.”

After James picked up his player option before the NBA Free Agency began, Paul issued a strong statement to ESPN.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said on June 29. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

Paul then added that James will closely monitor the Lakers’ offseason and will evaluate “what’s best” for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. The super agent said they understand the challenge in building to win now while preparing for the future of the franchise.

“He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him,” Paul closed his statement.

Since then, the Lakers have made win-now moves by addressing their frontcourt woes with the addition of former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton and bolstering their perimeter defense with Marcus Smart, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and Jake LaRavia.

Will LeBron Retire as a Laker?

Pelinka is hopeful James will retire as a Laker.

“Yeah, [I expect him to retire as a Laker],” Pelinka said.

James will become an unrestricted free agent after next season. What he does next — retire or join another team — will be the biggest question that will hang over the Lakers next season.

“And in terms of LeBron’s career, I think the number one thing we have to do there is respect his and his family’s decision in terms of how long he’s gonna play,” Pelinka told reporters. “That’s first and foremost, and we want to respect his ability to come up with his timetable on that. I think that’s, that’s really important. But if he had a chance to retire as a Laker, that would be great.”

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