LeBron James reportedly supports Lakers’ move to build around Luka Dončić

The Los Angeles Lakers received a major boost on Sunday, August 3 (Philippine Standard Time), after confirming they had agreed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension with Luka Dončić, which includes a player option in 2028.

The Lakers’ front office announced the extension on various social media platforms, with team president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka calling it a “monumental moment” in a public statement.

While fans celebrated the deal, many were surprised by the absence of NBA all-time leading scorer LeBron James, who remains the face of the franchise. However, it was later revealed that the 40-year-old did FaceTime Dončić to personally congratulate him on his new deal.

With LeBron nearing the end of his career, it makes sense that the Lakers’ front office is shifting focus toward building the franchise around Dončić. NBA insider and ESPN reporter Shams Charania weighed in on the situation, revealing that James is both supportive and understanding of the team’s direction.

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

Shams Charania on how LeBron James feels about Lakers’ organizational shift to Luka Doncic https://t.co/7RMHCSe0NY pic.twitter.com/orZeezmT6p

— LeBron Wire (@LeBron_Wire) August 5, 2025

Lakers management and fans recently breathed a sigh of relief when Rich Paul—LeBron’s longtime agent and CEO of Klutch Sports—confirmed to ESPN that James will exercise his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 NBA season.

This move means James will make history by becoming the first player ever to play 23 seasons in the NBA. The four-time MVP is currently tied with Vince Carter for the most seasons played in league history.

During the press conference for Dončić’s contract extension, Pelinka also addressed LeBron’s situation, emphasizing their ongoing dialogue and mutual respect.

“All the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp—especially Rich—have been positive and supportive. Our communication with Paul has been open and constant,” Pelinka shared. “The most important thing is to respect LeBron and his family’s decision on how long he wants to play. We want to give him the space to decide that on his own terms. If he ends up retiring as a Laker, that would be great.”

As of now, LeBron has not made any public statements regarding his future or long-term plans and has yet to speak to the media following confirmation of his decision to remain in Los Angeles for the upcoming season.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.