LeBron James makes his feelings clear on Luka Doncic's huge Lakers contract after skipping news conference
The Slovenian recently penned a lucrative three-year extension with the Lakers, worth around $165m.
LeBron James has reportedly made his stance clear on Luka Doncic’s lucrative contract extension at the LA Lakers.
Doncic, 26, signed for the Lakers after a trade from the Mavericks back in February 2025. The deal, which involved Anthony Davis, is widely regarded as one of the most notable trades in NBA history.
The 26-year-old started all 28 games for the side to end the regular season, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals in 35.1 minutes.
Then, on Saturday, the Lakers announced that the Slovenian had signed a three-year extension but did not disclose the official terms of the agreement.
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However, ESPN’s sources reported that the deal is worth around $165 million and pivotally will keep Doncic from becoming a free agent next summer, eliminating his 2026-27 player option in place of the new contract.
Doncic took part in a press conference alongside Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka at UCLA Health Training Facility on Saturday.
However, teammate LeBron was not present, but an NBA insider has since revealed exactly what the icon thinks of Doncic’s new deal.
NBA journalist Marc Stein explained: “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.”
LeBron, 40, recently opted into the final year of his deal, meaning the next campaign will be his 23rd in the NBA.
As reported by The Guardian, via Reuters, in June, the option exercised by the 40-year-old is worth around $52.6 million.
Doncic previously voiced his admiration for James during an appearance on an episode of James’ Mind the Game podcast.
"Well, first of all, he shows up like 10 hours before the game,” Doncic said of James’ work ethic.
"So that was really the main [thing where] I was like, 'what?' I came to the arena and he was already done working out. I was like, 'What?'”
He added: "I've never played with a guy like this. Just being traded to here, to LA—it was different. But just to play with guys like him—it's unbelievable. I could learn so many [things]. First of all, off the court, all the things he does just to be ready for the game. And obviously on the court, everybody knows what kind of player he is."
Topics: NBA, Lebron James, LA Lakers, Basketball
Luke Davies