Luka Doncic Reacts To LeBron James Leaving The Lakers

Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic Reacts To LeBron James Leaving The Lakers

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jun 30, 2026 2:49 PM ET

With LeBron James formally announcing his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers today, the team's top stars are beginning to weigh in on the loss of their longtime leader. Luka Doncic, who only joined the team a year-and-a-half ago, was no exception.

Despite some fans (and Skip Bayless) claiming that the Slovenian superstar would be relieved to have LeBron out of his life, Doncic took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message for his now-former teammate. He shared an image of the two of them embracing and called it "an honor" to play alongside LeBron.

"An honor to play with and learn from you (LeBron)," Doncic wrote.

An IG message from Luka Dončić to LeBron James after James’ agent Rich Paul announces that the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is leaving the Lakers and plans to chose a new team in free agency: https://t.co/rUTLIbuj7S pic.twitter.com/Sfb7K1Ku6c
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2026

LeBron James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. After missing the playoffs in his first season due in part to injury, James led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship inside the Orlando bubble, earning his fourth NBA title and fourth Finals MVP award.

Throughout his tenure, he continued to perform at an elite level well into his late 30s and early 40s, becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer in 2023 and later surpassing 50,000 combined regular-season and playoff points. Along the way, he earned multiple All-NBA selections and All-Star appearances while helping the Lakers reach the 2023 Western Conference Finals and capture the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament in 2023.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 18, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Passing the Torch

LeBron's departure from the Lakers now makes Doncic the undisputed superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers. He demonstrated this past season what he's capable of, leading the league in points per game with 33.5 - his second scoring title in the last three years.

The Lakers went 43-21 in games Luka played but 10-8 in the games he missed. It's fair to say that the Lakers can go as far as Luka's health can take them.

That's pretty much been the plan since the day the Lakers traded for him. Now it's time for him to prove that he can.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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