LeBron James Says Luka Doncic Played Key Role in Him Playing With Lakers This Year

The Lakers forward will be playing in his 23rd season this year.

Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

LeBron James is ready for another good year with the Los Angeles Lakers. This will be his 23rd season in the NBA, which is an NBA record. He will break a tie with Vince Carter for the longest career in the NBA.

The Lakers are happy that James has decided to keep playing and play for them. James is still one of the best players in the league, as he made the All-NBA Second Team just last season, his 22nd.

More news: Former NBA Veteran Olden Polynice Doesn't Hold Back on LeBron James Disrespect

In order for the Lakers to be title contenders, they need James to play at a similar level for them to win it all. James detailed why he decided to keep playing for Los Angeles this year.

Luka Doncic played a big role in LeBron James returning to the Lakers

While speaking during Lakers media day on Monday, James said that playing another full season with Luka Doncic was a big reason why he decided to come back to play in the NBA.

LeBron James on what’s the reason for him to keep going in his Year 23

“Full season with Luka (Doncic)” pic.twitter.com/ub1ecl1lzF

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) September 29, 2025

Doncic is one of the best players in the league, so James wants to be able to play with him again. Doncic is also in the best shape that he has ever been in his NBA career.

James has played with a lot of great players in his NBA career, but Doncic might be the most purely skilled when it comes to the offensive end of the court. This is also James' last best chance at winning a fifth career championship.

LeBron James thinks he can win a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers this year

With all of the pieces that they have on the team, the Lakers feel very confident that they can make a deep run in the playoffs this year. They were the third seed in the Western Conference last season.

More news: Lakers Sign Former First Round Pick Ahead of Training Camp

With Doncic on the roster for an entire season, and James hopefully healthy soon (he has an issue that could limit him in camp a bit), they believe they can be even better and push the Thunder for the crown as the best team in the West, no matter how tough that will be.

Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He shot 51.3 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.

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