A three-time NBA champion and one of LeBron James' former teammates doesn't think the leading scorer of all time will win a championship with Luka Doncic on the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February. They were the third seed in the West this year and faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs.
Despite having James and Doncic, Los Angeles lost to Minnesota in five games.
James helped the Lakers win the 2020 championship against the Miami Heat. Danny Green was on that team, and while the former NBA guard knows how explosive James and Doncic are offensively, he doesn't believe the Lakers are good enough on defense to win it all.
James is 40 years old. He's the oldest active player in the NBA.
If the four-time MVP plays next season, it will be his 23rd season in the league.
James turns 41 in December. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks this season and made the All-NBA Second Team.
A four-time Finals MVP, James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee in Game 5 against the Timberwolves. He averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks in the five-game series.
Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The Lakers played without a center in the second half of Game 4 and all of Game 5. As a result, James and Co. had no one to grab rebounds and catch lob passes from The King and Doncic.
Los Angeles GM Rob Pelinka will attempt to acquire a center this offseason, but there's no guarantee he will accomplish that goal.
James' player option for next season is worth $52.6 million. He's expected to pick up that option.