LeBron James' absence from Luka Doncic's news conference turns heads

Luka Doncic has officially decided to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for the long haul.

He just signed a three-year contract extension worth up to $165M that will keep him tied to the organization through the 2027-28 season. It also includes a player option for the 2028-29 season.

This was an expected move. However, the fact that LeBron James wasn't in attendance at the news conference raised some eyebrows, given all the rumors surrounding his future with the organization.

Even so, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the four-time NBA champion did reach out to congratulate Doncic, so people shouldn't read too much into his absence.

"LeBron and son Bronny James were noticeably not in attendance at the news conference, but I’m told that LeBron FaceTimed Doncic on Saturday morning to congratulate him on the new deal," wrote Stein. 

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka also addressed James' next steps. As reported by Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers still want James to be a part of the organization, but they won't rush him to make any decision about his future.

“In terms of LeBron’s career, I think the number one thing we have to do there is respect him and his family’s decision in terms of how long he’s going to play. I think that’s first and foremost,” Pelinka said. “And we want to respect his ability to come up with his timetable on that.”

Technically, James didn't have to be there next to Doncic. He's entitled to some time off the clock, just like everybody else.

Also, if the team is pivoting towards a younger superstar, it only makes sense that he allows him to get all the spotlight, even though his absence could also speak volumes and drive attention away from what actually mattered at the time.