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How Luka Doncic and LeBron James really feel about new LA Lakers owner Mark Walter revealed

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 8:32 AM ET

Luka Doncic and LeBron James have made their feelings clear about Mark Walter buying the Los Angeles Lakers.

The LA Lakers made waves in the NBA world yesterday. In a blockbuster announcement, it was announced that billionaire Mark Walter bought the Lakers for $10 billion.

This is a massive boost. Heading into the offseason, there was concern about how the front office would adapt to the salary cap rules, given that LeBron James is likely to sign a $52 million contract this year.

Add to that the rest of the NBA looking to punish the Lakers for being gifted Luka Doncic by forcing them to overpay in any trades.

But if fans are familiar with Walter’s pattern with the Los Angeles Dodgers, they will know that it might not be a problem for him.

As such, fans are rightfully excited about the Lakers’ future. But how do the star players feel? Lakers insider Dave McMenamin revealed how LeBron James and Luka Doncic are reacting to the sale.

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation

LeBron James and Luka Doncic excited over LA Lakers sale

ESPN’s Lakers expert, McMenamin, appeared on SportsCenter to discuss the ramifications of the blockbuster sale.

He revealed that both LeBron James and Luka Doncic are excited. While this doesn’t mean the Lakers will automatically spend more on players, it at least allows them to invest more money into the organization.

McMenamin said: “Speaking to people close to both Luka and LeBron James, there’s excitement about this move for what it means for this team.

“Obviously, having someone like Mark Walter doesn’t mean that all of a sudden the salary cap goes out the window. There is a new collective bargaining agreement in place that has punitive measures for teams that overspend.

“You lose draft picks, you can’t make trades, and aggregate salaries when you reach the second apron.

“But what you can do is add extra spending toward your scouting department, your analytics department, your health and wellness staff… to make it an even more inviting environment…”

"Speaking to people close to both Luka and Lebron James, there's excitement about this move for what it means for this team" – @mcten pic.twitter.com/7Gi4iGeQk9
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 19, 2025

LeBron James future unaffected by Mark Walter sale

Speaking further, McMenamin revealed that LeBron James’ decision over his future won’t be impacted by the sale. He still has to decide whether to opt in to his player option or opt out and re-sign.

“I’m told this one person, whom this decision has no bearing on, is LeBron James,” he added. “He still has the decision at the end of the month to decide whether to opt in to next year’s contract worth $56 million or opt out and become a free agent.”

It’s clear that while there are a lot of changes for the Lakers’ front office and management, the star players have little to worry about.

Luka Doncic will likely re-sign with the Lakers this offseason as the team looks to build around their All-Star guard.

And whether James decides to retire next season or stay for a few more years, the future is bright in Southern California, and it isn’t just because of the beautiful weather anymore.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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