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How Luka Doncic really feels about playing with LeBron James revealed as LA Lakers rift grows

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 12, 2025 11:20 AM ET

Luka Doncic has some strong opinions about sharing a locker room with LeBron James on the LA Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most talented duos in the NBA today. In February, the Lakers added Luka Doncic to their roster, pairing him up with LeBron James.

However, it appears that their tandem has started to breed problems for the Lakers. James accepted his $52.6 million player option, thus making him a free agent next summer.

The Lakers haven’t really made LeBron the center of their plans. In fact, Bill Simmons claimed that James is now playing second fiddle to Luka on the Lakers.

LeBron understands the Lakers are prioritizing building around Doncic. However, at this stage of his career, he wants to compete for an NBA championship.

James’ future is up in the air right now. But how does Luka Doncic feel about the superstar and playing with him? Well, understandably, the young star has a lot of respect for the four-time NBA champion.

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Luka Doncic loves playing with LeBron James

Ramona Shelburne put out a comprehensive piece about the LA Lakers and the ongoing rift between them and LeBron James.

When it comes to Luka Doncic’s opinion of the King, he has nothing but the utmost respect for him. Doncic loves playing with LeBron and is honored to be his teammate.

“Luka loves playing with LeBron and has learned so much from him. He has nothing but the utmost respect for LeBron and considers it an honor to be his teammate.”

It’s clear that any microaggressions from the Lakers’ end towards LeBron James are not coming from Luka Doncic’s end.

The young star has respected James for a long time and is unlikely to be playing any kind of mind games over control of the franchise.

LA Lakers rolling out the red carpet for Luka Doncic

In the same report, Ramona Shelburne also gave some insight into Luka Doncic’s feelings about how the LA Lakers have welcomed him.

The Slovenian superstar has been thrilled with the treatment he has received from the organization and how much they have done to make him comfortable.

“The Lakers leadership team has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of Luka since we arrived in L.A.

“We’ve spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other over the last few months, and we’ve formed a strong working relationship.

“Championships are won when you work together. We all share that same goal.”

It’s clear that the Lakers organization sees Luka Doncic as the cornerstone of their team for years to come. Right now, their big goal is to get him to re-sign with the team.

A short-term extension this summer sets up Luka Doncic to sign a $406 million contract with the Lakers later down the line.

However, if the Lakers don’t do enough to convince Doncic to stay long-term, he could reject that contract and join another team.

The Lakers must make sure that they build the team around Doncic well for years to come, as it could cost them a once-in-a-generation superstar if they don’t.

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

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