Rumor: Lakers Stars LeBron James, Luka Dončić ‘Hold Respect And Reverence For One Another’

Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić “hold respect and reverence for one another,” according to NBA reporter Dave McMenamin of ESPN. 

LeBron video-called Dončić after Dončić signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers this past Saturday. 

“James congratulated Dončić on the deal with a video call, sources familiar with the exchange confirmed to ESPN, after the contract was signed and before Dončić participated in a news conference at the Lakers practice facility Saturday. … While James’ sentiments towards Doncic have been consistent, with sources telling ESPN that both players hold respect and reverence for one another, James’ thoughts about the Lakers are not as clear-cut,” McMenamin wrote. 

The Lakers went 15-8 last season when LeBron and Dončić were in the lineup together. JJ Redick’s group was the third seed in the West and it appeared Los Angeles would compete for the title. 

However, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Lakers in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games. 

LeBron picked up his 2025-26 player option with the Lakers. The leading scorer in NBA history will make $52.6 million next season in the final year of his contract. 

After LeBron picked up his 202526 player option, his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, raised chaos by releasing the following statement:

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

Since Paul’s statement came out, the Lakers have signed Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart. 

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