The Los Angeles Lakers have sent a clear message about the future of their franchise: it’s Luka time. After locking in Luka Doncic with a massive three-year, $165 million extension, the team appear to have chosen their new leader-while leaving the aging LeBron James on the outside looking in.
According to CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn, James is one of the biggest losers in the wake of Doncic’s extension. Why? Because for the first time in years, the franchise are not bending to King James’ will. Instead, the Lakers are leaning into Doncic’s vision for the team, opting for long-term flexibility over LeBron’s usual all-in-now strategy.
“If a young LeBron James had been in Doncic’s shoes, there is a good chance he would not have signed this extension,” Quinn wrote, highlighting how James has historically demanded trades, picks, and big moves to chase immediate titles.
Doncic, however, appears to be playing the long game. And the Lakers are following his lead-passing up splashy trades and choosing instead to build patiently with veterans on shorter contracts. It’s a stark contrast to what James has done throughout his career, especially when he pushed the Lakers to trade for Anthony Davis in 2019.
James,40, has reportedly been distant since the move. He skipped Doncic’s press conference and had his agent, Rich Paul, deliver a cryptic message through insider Shams Charania after picking up his player option for next season.
Quinn emphasized that James’ past proves he likely would’ve taken a different route if in Doncic’s position. “James frequently signed short-term deals in his prime to maintain flexibility. When he wasn’t happy, he left,” he noted.
