Luka Doncic and LeBron James had a solid start to their partnership in the 2024-25 NBA season. The Slovenian guard posted an 18-10 record with the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game.
His addition revamped the team's hopes to win a championship, but broke up the James-Anthony Davis pairing that won the 17th title in the Lakers' history in 2020. The front office has several issues to address this offseason, and while adding a center to grab Doncic's lobs is already done, a different situation has arisen in recent days.
The Buss family, led by team governor Jeanie Buss, is selling a majority of the team to the Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter. This decision and the way it was handled have indirectly created another problem for the purple and gold.
Luka Doncic
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after the game against the Dallas Mavericks.
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Giving Doncic the keys to the car and letting him know about the team's sale, while leaving James in the dark, has reportedly rubbed the four-time NBA champion the wrong way. Doncic's manager, Lara Beth, clarified that her client has no issues whatsoever with James. In fact, he has enjoyed sharing touches with the former No. 1 overall pick.
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne shared an excerpt of an article in which she discusses how the Lakers are preparing a transition from James to Doncic. On X, she shared Beth's words in regards of Doncic's feelings about playing with James.
“Luka loves playing with LeBron and has learned so much from him. He has nothing but the utmost respect for LeBron and considers it an honor to be his teammate.”
As the most iconic franchise in the NBA and one of the biggest winners, the Lakers will always have a lot of eyes watching them. They have accustomed fans to seeing superstars defending their colors, but this time, something bad could be brewing.
James has been mentioned as a potential trade chip for the front office, more so after recent reports suggest he's growing frustrated with the team. The 2025-26 season is still months away and only time will tell how this situation unfolds.