Lakers Rumors: Luka Doncic Prefers LeBron James to End Career in Los Angeles

Feb 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and forward LeBron James (23) on the court in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have had quite the offseason. After a slow start to free agency, the Lakers made key moves that could move them close to title contention. 

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As things stand, the Lakers still have a long way to go, but they have a solid core, one that could hold up against any team in the league, led by Luka Doncic and LeBron James. 

Doncic and James were great together in 23 games, going 15-8. 

This duo is among the best in the league, and Doncic realizes the potential they could have together with training camp and a full season ahead of them. 

So much so, Doncic reportedly wants James to remain in LA and retire in the purple and gold, a source told DallasHoopsJournal.com. 

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James is entering his 23rd season of his career and will likely be with the Lakers. At the start of free agency, James opted into his $52.6 million contract, which is the final year of his contract. 

Rumors are swirling that this upcoming season will be James' final season of his career. If that is the case, Doncic will then do his best to lead the Lakers into the next chapter of their storied franchise. 

James, 40, has been through it all and seen it all in his career. However, he has never been in a position where his successor is on the same team as him. 

Some have suggested that James may not like the idea of the Lakers already having a player in that position. James has a no-trade clause in his contract, so if he really wants out, only he and his camp could demand something like that. 

Doncic and James may play the similar style, but it is clear that they love to feed off each other. While international rumors have suggested that the two didn't enjoy playing with each other, those rumors were quickly dismissed by Doncic's agent, Lara Beth Seager. 

“Luka loves playing with LeBron and has learned so much from him,” Seager told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “He has nothing but the utmost respect for LeBron and considers it an honor to be his teammate.”

All signs point to Doncic and James entering the season together as teammates in the purple and gold. How they will do, that remains to be seen. 

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