Two Key Lakers Notably Absent from Luka Doncic Contract Presser

Aug 2, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic (77) is interviewed by ESPN LA radio following a press conference announcing the signing of a 3-year, $165 million contract extension at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

After signing a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers that will keep him on the team through at least 2027-28 (he has a player option for 2028-29), superstar Luka Doncic held a press conference to announce the massive contract.

The extension symbolizes a strong partnership between Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers franchise, which appears in lock-step with each other.

The deal kicks in after the coming season, but while on paper it is a three-year agreement, the final year is a player option— making it essentially a two-year pact.

More news: Lakers, Luka Doncic Agree to Massive Contract Extension to Keep Superstar in LA

After those two seasons, Doncic is eligible for a massive contract as he will reach 10 years of service in the league.

At the press conference, several members of the Lakers roster made an appearance, though there were two notable absences — guard Austin Reaves and forward LeBron James.

Most of the Lakers roster here supporting Luka as he announces his new max contract. pic.twitter.com/Ihdqa4p9HB

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) August 2, 2025

Reaves and James join Doncic as the best players on the team. James was spotted in Los Angeles a couple of days ago, so the reason for his absence is unclear. Reaves' reason for not attending also remains unclear.

More news: Lakers Superstar Luka Doncic on New LA Contract – 'Just the Beginning'

James' absence is far more notable since, through a statement from his agent Rich Paul, it appears that the 40-year-old is not happy with the Lakers organization and the direction which the team is building.

Paul's statement alluded to James understanding that the Lakers will build for the future around Doncic, but Paul claims James is focused on winning titles immediately.

At the presser, president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka addressed the basketball icon's future with Los Angeles.

"All the interactions we've had with LeBron and his camp, Rich Paul in particular, have been very positive and supportive," Pelinka said to the media, per Dan Woike of The Athletic.

"Very professional and Rich has been great. The dialogue with him has been open and constant.

"In terms of LeBron's career, I think the No. 1 thing we have to do there is respect he and his family's decision in terms of how long he's going to play. I think that's first and foremost," Pelinka added.

"We want to respect his ability to come up with his timetable and that's really important," Pelinka said. "If he had the chance to retire as a Laker, that would be great."

More news: Lakers President Rob Pelinka Provides Massive Update on LeBron James Future in LA

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