Luka Doncic isn’t here for the trade noise. As rumors continue to swirl around LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers, one thing has become increasingly clear, Doncic doesn’t want to see LeBron play for any other franchise. According to a report from Dallas Hoops Journal, Doncic is not just supportive of LeBron staying put; he wants the NBA’s all-time leading scorer to end his career in purple and gold.
Despite growing tensions around LeBron’s timeline and the franchise’s shift toward building around Doncic, the Slovenian superstar has made his stance known behind closed doors.
Following LeBron’s decision to opt into the final year of his deal, Rich Paul’s cryptic comments started the storm, and an ESPN report about LeBron feeling “disrespected” by how the Lakers pivoted to Doncic sparked a wildfire.
Yet neither LeBron’s camp nor the Lakers front office has made any formal push toward a trade or buyout. Meanwhile, Doncic is doing everything to extinguish the noise.
Doncic idolized LeBron growing up. Their bond last season grew stronger with each passing game, and Luka continues to regard LeBron as the best possible partner he could have on the floor, even at age 40.
The respect runs deep, and Doncic knows how rare it is to share the court with a legend who can still dominate. In the 23 games they played together last season, the Lakers went 15–8. Doncic averaged 27.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in that stretch, while LeBron was right behind with 23.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. The duo clicked.
Even though the Lakers exited the playoffs early, falling to the Timberwolves in five games, Doncic isn’t questioning the partnership. In fact, he’s doubling down.
Sources close to the team indicate that Luka is not just tolerating LeBron’s presence; he’s actively recruiting around him. Following the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith to Houston, Doncic worked behind the scenes to bring in Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton.
He’s embraced the role of franchise leader, undergone a massive offseason physical transformation to silence conditioning critics, and is widely expected to sign a long-term extension in the coming week.
What’s more, LeBron seems equally invested. Despite the speculation about his future, he hasn’t made a single public move suggesting a departure. His awareness, long regarded as one of his best traits, is guiding him here.
He knows he’s unlikely to find a better co-star than Doncic without jumping through buyout hoops. Even if the Lakers decide to move off LeBron’s salary next summer, Luka’s presence would give them no choice but to keep the door open for an extension or fresh deal. If Doncic wants LeBron there, LeBron stays.
LeBron is still playing at an All-NBA level, earning Second Team honors and finishing sixth in MVP voting last season. He’s not being carried; he’s still leading. Doncic knows this better than anyone, and he’s committed to ensuring LeBron finishes his journey with dignity, in Los Angeles.
The message is simple: this is not a rivalry, it’s a partnership. Luka Doncic wants LeBron James to retire as a Laker, and as long as he’s leading the franchise, that wish might just come true.
