LeBron James Committed to Lakers, Set to Form Dynamic Duo with Luka Doncic
LeBron James is committed to staying with the Los Angeles Lakers beyond Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, sources confirmed to ESPN, ensuring he’ll continue his legacy with the team and pair up with newly acquired superstar Luka Doncic.
James, 40, recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers in the offseason, which includes a de facto no-trade clause. This means the four-time MVP will remain in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future, a decision that aligns with his long-standing desire to finish his career as a Laker.
Before this extension, rumors circulated last season about a potential trade involving James. The Golden State Warriors had reportedly inquired about acquiring James at last year’s trade deadline.
However, after initial conversations between the Warriors’ ownership and Lakers officials, James’ representative, Rich Paul, made it clear that his client had no interest in leaving Los Angeles. During All-Star Weekend in February, James reiterated his commitment to the Lakers, expressing his happiness with the team and hope to finish his career in LA.
“I am a Laker and I’m happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years, and hopefully, it stays that way,” James said during the 2023 All-Star festivities. “But I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully [it] is with the Lakers. It’s a great organization, so many greats. But we’ll see.”
James is under contract with a player option for the 2025-26 season, which would mark his 23rd year in the NBA, a record for longevity in the league.
This decision comes as the Lakers made a headline-grabbing trade on Sunday, acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a stunning three-team deal that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas.
James learned of the trade while dining with his family after Saturday’s win against the Knicks, sources said. Though surprised by the news, James is expected to embrace playing alongside Doncic, who has long regarded him as an idol.
Doncic, who will turn 26 later this month, joins an elite group of players with career averages of at least 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists per game—along with James and NBA legend Oscar Robertson. This new superstar pairing has the potential to reshape the Lakers’ future, with the duo leading the charge for a championship run in Los Angeles.
Veteran NBA reporter Chris Haynes first reported James’ intention to stay with the Lakers past the trade deadline, solidifying the future of the team with two of the league’s brightest stars.
