LeBron James’ Feelings Toward Lakers Surface After No-Show at Luka Doncic Event

After acquiring Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks back in February, there have been some questions about who is considered the top guy in Los Angeles between him and James. However, the Ohio native is reportedly "supportive and understanding" of the Lakers focusing on Doncic for the future, though the door is still open for him to end his career elsewhere (h/t Shams Charania of ESPN).

"I am told he’s been supportive and understanding that the Lakers are moving more towards a Luka Doncic-led future," Charania said about James. "Now, what does that mean for LeBron James? He’s opted in, so technically he’s a Laker. How will he finish his career, though? Is he gonna play Year 23 and finish out in L.A., and that’s gonna be it? At the end of the day, I think the Lakers even understand he’s gonna end his career on his own terms. He wants to end his career on his own terms, and I think he’s earned the right to do that. We just don’t know what that looks like yet."

LeBron James' Lakers Future Entering 23rd NBA Season

James picked up his $52.6 million player option for next season and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. Though he is reportedly fine with the Lakers' direction for the future, his long-term outlook with the team is still up in the air. ESPN's Dave McMenamin recently provided insight into why the star forward has not inked a longterm agreement with Los Angeles.

“I think we have to start think about this could be his last year in the league,” McMenamin reported last month (h/t NBA Central). “Rich Paul told me, ‘Yeah there was no extension talk because we didn’t ask for an extension.’ … Rich Paul’s point to me was this wasn’t a point of tension. 'It’s not something that we were pursuing.'"

As the Lakers look to re-establish themselves as legitimate title contenders next season, it will be important to monitor the four-time NBA Champion's status as he could be in line for his final season with the team.