Rumor: LeBron James ‘Supportive And Understanding’ Of Lakers Building For Future With Luka Dončić

August 4, 2025

LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Lakers, NBA — Luke Hales/Getty Images

LeBron James is “supportive and understanding” of the Los Angeles Lakers building for the future with Luka Dončić, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN.

LeBron turns 41 in December, while Dončić turns 27 in February.

The Lakers signed Dončić to a three-year, $165 million extension this weekend.

“I am told he’s been supportive and understanding that the Lakers are moving more toward a Luka Dončić-led future,” Charania said. “Now what does that mean for LeBron James? He’s opted in, so technically, he is a Laker. How will he finish his career, though? Is he gonna play year 23 and finish out in LA and that’s gonna be it?

“At the end of the day, I think the Lakers even understand he’s gonna end his career on his own terms.”

The leading scorer in NBA history, LeBron will make $52.6 million next season in the final year of his contract. He will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason of 2026 for the first time since 2018.

LeBron has been in the NBA since 2003. The Akron native is the oldest active player in the league. He could retire after next season, although some believe he could play in 2026-27 at the age of 42.

A future Hall of Famer, LeBron joined the Lakers in 2018. He guided the franchise to the 2020 title against his former team, the Miami Heat, at the Walt Disney World bubble.

LeBron’s future with the Lakers has been a hot topic ever since his agent, Rich Paul, told Charania, “LeBron wants to compete for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.

“We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career. We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”

That statement by Paul was LeBron’s way of putting pressure on Rob Pelinka to improve Los Angeles’ roster and it worked, as the Lakers added Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart.