Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has gotten his way this summer.
The Lakers have catered to the five-time All-time Star by selling a majority stake of the franchise to Mark Walter, upgrading their frontcourt with the addition of Deandre Ayton, and signing a defensive-minded 6-foot-3 former Boston Celtics star in Marcus Smart.
Unsurprisingly, Doncic rewarded Los Angeles by inking a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the organization last Saturday.
However, Doncic reportedly isn’t completely satisfied yet, citing that there is a specific retirement wish he has for his partner in crime, LeBron James.
“Luka Dončić wants LeBron James to retire from the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers,” DallasHoopsJournal’s Ashish Mathur reported last Wednesday.
“James is set to make $52.6 million next season in the final year of his contract. If he retires after the 2025–26 campaign, Doncic would get his wish. However, if James chooses to play in 2026–27, Doncic hopes the league’s all-time leading scorer re-signs with the Lakers in the summer of 2026.”
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“Doncic, a native of Slovenia, has frequently said James was the player he watched most growing up. The former Dallas Mavericks superstar enjoyed playing alongside James last season and believes the Lakers can contend for a championship next year.”
Doncic didn’t choose to team up with James in Los Angeles, but he appears determined to make it work alongside the 40-year-old future Hall of Famer.
Doncic has previously stated that he was blown away by James’ commitment to arriving hours before tip-off and preparing his mind and body for physical 48-minute battles.
Likewise, James has expressed his fondness for Doncic’s methodical approach to the game, making it clear that there’s mutual respect between the two superstars.
Although Doncic and James shared the floor less than 40 times a season ago, the sample size was still large enough to determine that the dynamic duo has the potential to wreak havoc with more reps alongside one another.
If all goes well next year, it’ll be safe to say that Doncic’s recent request will soon be honored.
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