Lakers' LeBron James Privately Congratulated Luka Doncic on Extension: Report

Feb 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrate after a play during the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers may not have had the best of offseasons according to many experts and insiders, but that may have changed after Saturday. 

More news: Luka Doncic Reveals When He Knew He’d Sign Lakers Extension

The Lakers and their superstar Luka Doncic agreed to a massive three-year, $165 million contract that runs until the 2027-28 season. 

The deal locks up Doncic for the next three seasons, and the expectation is that he will spend his entire career in the purple and gold, barring anything catastrophic.

Doncic signed the deal on Saturday and held a press conference immediately after. Many of Doncic's teammates were in attendance, but one was noticably not present, Lakers superstar LeBron James. 

Many wondered if James had even reached out to Doncic to congratulate him on his new deal. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, James, in fact, reached out to the 26-year-old superstar and congratulated him via FaceTime. 

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

Going behind the scenes on Luka Dončić Contract Extension Day in LA … AND around-the-league on many more topics in my latest Sunday Best Notes: https://t.co/tKIZCowERx

📸: @Lakers pic.twitter.com/EMWOI1srMK

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 3, 2025

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James is likely to enter his 23rd season in the league and his eighth season with the Lakers. 

There have been many questions this summer regarding James' future in Los Angeles. It is clear James wants to compete for a title, and the Lakers insist on doing that alongside the 40-year-old superstar and Doncic.

The 21-time All-Star has been enjoying his summer like no other. It is clear that he is nearing the end of his career, but still, he is doing all he can to chase that elusive fifth title.

James is hungry for his fifth title, and Doncic is hungry for his first-ever title. The Slovenian superstar reached the NBA Finals in 2024 as a member of the Dallas Mavericks. 

Doncic came up short, and since getting a taste of what it's like being on the biggest stage, he wants nothing more than to get back there. Doncic has a chance to do just that as a member of the Lakers and bring the franchise their 18th title and potentially more. 

More news: Anthony Davis Getting Paid $25 Million More Than Lakers’ Luka Doncic

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.