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Does LeBron James feel slighted by the Lakers with Luka Doncic?

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated Aug 8, 2025 4:12 PM ET

When the news broke that Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, a lot of emotions ran through my head. For starters, as someone who has Michael Jordan as his GOAT, this is just another example of LeBron James playing with a top player in the league.

Despite LeBron now playing with Doncic, things may not be so happy in Hollywood. At least from LeBron’s perspective…

When the trade first occurred, things appeared to be going great for LeBron and Luka. After the news broke that Doncic was now a Los Angeles Laker, LeBron gave the Slovenian high praise.

“Luka has been my favorite player in the
NBA for a while now,” LeBron said.

After the season ended, however, things appear to be different between the two. After Doncic signed his new three-year, $165 million max extension with the Lakers, LeBron was notably absent from Doncic’s press conference about his contract extension.

It’s been reported that LeBron did FaceTime Doncic later to congratulate him, however. Still, to neither show up nor write a congratulatory post on social media regarding Doncic is suspicious.

Despite not posting a congratulatory message to Doncic, LeBron has recently posted one to Koby Altman after he signed a contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers as their President of Basketball Operations.

YESSIR!!! Congratulations to my brother B.Weems!! Super proud of u man https://t.co/QDD6aZgBwn

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 14, 2025

Is this a clear message that LeBron is upset?

LeBron’s offseason

The contract extension signing of Doncic and LeBron’s absent public support isn’t the only reason why it looks like King James may be feeling slighted. LeBron opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. He is positioning himself to become a free agent in the summer of 2026.

This could be a ploy to earn a bigger contract from the Lakers. Or, it could be his way out of Hollywood. LeBron has done other cryptic things, as well, in this offseason.

This includes posting a workout photo of himself in a Los Angeles Clippers training facility. It’s been confirmed that the agency that manages LeBron, Klutch Sports Group owns the Clippers facility, and that there’s no chance LeBron is going to be a Clipper.

The Clippers photo wasn’t the only cryptic social media post. He was also in a photo with Nikola Jokic’s agent, as well. The rumors of LeBron teaming with Jokic have also been shut down.

Of course, there’s been rumors all summer long that LeBron wants to be traded from the Lakers. This rumor gained momentum after it was discovered that Doncic was given a heads-up of the sale of the Lakers, but not LeBron.

These trade rumors have also been shut down. So, it is hard to figure out what LeBron is really feeling.

In my humble opinion, I believe LeBron is feeling a little slighted. He’s been in control of every team he’s played on, in terms of the offense. Now, with Doncic in LA, the Lakers have made it clear that the Slovenian star will be handed the keys to the Lakers.

LeBron is reportedly supportive of this decision, but this may be all for show.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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