LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Lakers
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Lakers LeBron James, left, and Luka Doncic talk during a timeout.
Amid ongoing scrutiny about LeBron James’ future with the Los Angeles Lakers, his relationship with new co-star Luka Dončić appears steady.
James and Dončić have remained in regular contact since the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with conversations focused on how to complement each other on the floor, ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin reported, citing sources. “Both superstars are looking forward to playing together again next season,” Irwin wrote.
Speculation about James’ long-term plans intensified after comments from his agent, Rich Paul, prompted questions about whether the 39-year-old would consider a change. James is expected to report to training camp with the Lakers, The Athletic reported.
Paul told ESPN in June that James “wants to compete for a championship” and that both player and team “want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career.” Paul added that no trade request had been made. The comments landed as the franchise deepened its commitment to Dončić, who signed a three-year, $165 million extension this summer.
James did not attend Dončić’s signing or press conference, but veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein reported that James congratulated his teammate via FaceTime.
Irwin: Dončić Working off the Ball
Luka Doncic, Lakers
GettyLos Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic of Slovenia reacts during the international basketball friendly match for Slovenia.
Irwin also reported that Dončić has emphasized two priorities this offseason: improved conditioning — including a stricter diet — and becoming more effective without the ball. A key element is comfort as a catch-and-shoot threat, an area that could streamline the Lakers’ spacing when James or guard Austin Reaves initiates offense.
“Sources close to the Lakers say he has focused on becoming more comfortable shooting off the catch,” Irwin wrote. Dončić has also stayed in close contact with the coaching staff, including assistant Greg St. Jean, who is working with Slovenia during EuroBasket preparations, to align on how he can impact possessions when he is not the primary ballhandler.
A Western Conference scout told Irwin that Dončić’s off-ball evolution could stress defenses in new ways. “Defenses should be nervous about him every second he’s on the court. If they aren’t, that’s on him,” the scout said. “He’s way too good to just stand in the corner when the ball isn’t in his hands.”
Last season, Dončić made 36.9% of his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, slightly higher than the 36.0% he shot on pull-up attempts, according to NBA shot tracking data. The distribution, however, skewed heavily toward pull-ups, which comprised 58% of his attempts compared with 12.7% on catch-and-shoots — a function of his ball-dominant role.
Redick Seeks Flow, Not ‘Your Turn, My Turn’
First-year head coach JJ Redick has stressed purposeful variety when the Lakers play through their three stars. In March, Redick said the staff challenged James, Dončić and Reaves to bring “more force” and “more creativity” to their shared actions.
“If we put you in an environment, don’t do the same thing every time,” Redick told reporters. “Make everything live, exhaust every option.”
Reaves said then that trust among the trio is a strength.
“’ Bron and Luka are so good. They make my life easy,” Reaves said. “Unselfish players who like to play the game the right way, unbelievable passers. … If we’re locked into getting the best shot every possession, I feel like we can get a good shot every possession.”
As training camp approaches, the Lakers’ short-term picture remains clearer than the long-term one. James’ status will continue to draw attention, but for now, the organization’s focus is on fitting its stars together — with Dončić’s off-ball growth a central part of that plan.