Lakers Stars Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Haven't Talked to LeBron James About Retirement: Report

Mar 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23), guard Luka Doncic (77), and guard Austin Reaves (15) on the sidelines against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images | Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers will tip off their season in less than a week when they host the Golden State Warriors. 

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The Lakers are expected to have yet another great season ahead with Luka Doncic leading the way in what will be his first full season in the purple and gold. 

Doncic is the present and future of the team, but there is no doubt that he will need help to lead LA back to the top. That's where Austin Reaves and 40-year-old superstar forward, LeBron James, come in. 

Reaves has taken his game to a new level since entering the league, and James is still at the top of his game as he enters his 23rd season in the league. However, all eyes will be on Reaves and Doncic as the season approaches. James is out for the start of the season due to sciatica on his right side. 

Doncic and Reaves, both 26, are the future of the club, and with James nearing the end of his career, the question of when he will retire hangs over the entire club, not just James. 

While that is the case, ESPN's Dave McMenamin says that Doncic and Reaves have yet to talk to James about his potential retirement.

"Doncic and Reaves, for their part, love playing with James and want the partnership to continue, sources told ESPN.

"Both players have not inquired with James about when he plans to retire, sources said, wanting to show respect for James' process." 

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Doncic and Reaves are focused on one goal: bringing the Lakers yet another title. That is the only focus for the Lakers as the season approaches, which coincides with James' goal. 

The Lakers are all about the glamour, but at their core, they want to add as many banners as they can. If James were to announce his retirement, the goal of a championship would still be at large. 

It would be a circus in LA and on the road if there were the case, but it wouldn't faze Docnic, who already experienced something similar in his rookie season with Dirk Nowitzki. 

"Doncic, who idolized James growing up, has enjoyed their partnership and believes James is vital to L.A.'s ability to win now, sources said. He is also undaunted by any spectacle or circus that could come with pairing up with James as he closes out his career because Doncic already experienced an aging legend on his farewell tour when Dirk Nowitzki's last season with the Dallas Mavericks coincided with Doncic's rookie year. Doncic found the time with Nowitzki to be invaluable, sources said." 

James will miss the start of the season, and a timeline for his return is unclear.

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