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LeBron James Admits Luka Doncic Behind Career Extension After Claiming 'Zero' Retirement Influence

Originally posted on EssentiallySports | By Pranav Kotai | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 10:37 AM ET

The narrative in the off-season was that LeBron James was losing control of the franchise to Luka Doncic. During the media day, we saw King James smiling and unaffected by any such talks. Entering the unprecedented 23rd year as an NBA pro, naturally, the questions will be about his motivation and retirement plans. The answer to one of them involves his teammate Luka and his recent exploits at the EuroBasket.

Chris McGee of Spectrum SportsNet asked,” Year 23, what’s in store that keeps you coming back for more?” 2 years back, it was to break the all-time scoring record. Last season was about having the moment on the court with his son, Bronny. And this year it comes to playing the first full season with Doncic. “Full season with Luka. For real. Like I get a full season with Luka.” It was February’s superstar trade that saw the Slovenian move to Los Angeles from Dallas.

This will mark the first time that the two will undergo training camp together, and possibly be better than last year. That’s the goal for LeBron, too. “Seeing what Luka was doing in EuroBasket this summer. Everyone’s talking about his body and how well in shape he is and all that. Another season under the belt with the coaching staff. We had one year, first year, JJ and his coaching staff. So we get another full year of that. … We get to start right from day one.”

Remember last year, the advice Doncic received on his debut game? “Luka, be your f—– self. Don’t fit in, fit the f— out. Be yourself.” On the court, we saw that in 28 games, his average was 28.2 points. This helped the Lakers secure the third spot in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, the chemistry wasn’t good enough to win the title last year. But now, Bron is looking forward to it.

LeBron rates his BEST dunks as a Laker:

10 — poster on Nemanja Bjelica
9 — poster on Kevin Love
100 — poster on Paul George
10 — poster on Dereck Lively

(via @SpectrumSN)

pic.twitter.com/ehOs97IUHa

— Witness King James (@WITNESSKJ) September 29, 2025

“It was obviously a difficult transition bringing in Luka, kind of like the halfway point or whatever and trying to figure that out and we all figuring out each other. The best thing about this year is that we’re starting right now. Training camp, day one, know the system, know what we wanna do.” In the off-season, both stars got paid handsomely. LeBron James opted in to his $52.6 million offer, while Luka Doncic accepted a three-year contract extension worth $165 million. So it’s clear that the 5x All-Star is the cornerstone of the franchise. Does that mean the King is retiring sooner?

Even some of the family members won’t be involved when LeBron James makes the inevitable decision

As stated, the mood during the media day from the Akron Hammer was jovial. But talking about hanging up his boots, James said, “I don’t know when the end is, but I know it’s a lot sooner than later.” Missing college to enter the NBA and then have the scoring title to his name, he truly justified his ‘Chosen One’ tag. Even though he stated it will be motivating to play with Luka Doncic for their first full season together. The partnership or success with the Slovenian will lead to his decision to step away.

During media day, the 40-year-old stated, “Zero.” James replied when asked how much, if at all, the opportunity to play with Doncic will factor into his decision. “The motivation to be able to play alongside him every night? That’s super motivating. That’s what I’m gonna train my body for. Every night that I go out there, and try to be the best player I can for him, and we gon’ bounce that off one another. But as far as me [referring to] him and some of my other teammates of how far I’ll go in my career…”It won’t be having a meeting with my teammates.” Teammates also mean Bronny James, who is also the son of a 4x NBA champion.

But not just Bronny, even Bryce won’t have a say in LeBron James’ decision. Speaking about that, the Lakers superstar stated, “So it’ll be a decision between me, my wife, and my daughter.” The $52.6 million player option for 2025-26 gives him the freedom of unrestricted free agency that looms after this season. But now the focus will be on bettering the performance from last season, and winning the championship with Doncic in their first full season together.

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

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