The king has spoken, and he’s indicated that he doesn’t wish to influence Luka Dončić’s choice regarding staying in Los Angeles.
LeBron James mentioned he’s not planning to sway the 26-year-old Dončić to remain with the Lakers long-term. He stated it’s simply not his “work.” As reported by ESPN.
That said, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want Dončić as part of the Lakers’ future.
LeBron clarified, “No, that’s not my job. I don’t think Luka really knows how I feel about him. Ultimately, that trade was made with the future in mind, not for me. Luka must determine his own future. I mean, I’m 40 years old, so he can’t base his career around me. That’s just reality.”
“I mean, it’s clear that Laker fans really want him here. LA has embraced him, and we see him as a teammate and a brother. But at the end of the day, he has to make the right choice for himself. I, well, I won’t be around forever,” he added.
As for Dončić, his current contract includes a player option after the next season, although he has the possibility for an extension this summer.
On August 2, the Lakers could offer Dončić a four-year deal potentially worth $229 million.
The Lakers have made their intentions known; they wish to secure Dončić for the long haul.
According to Athletic, Dončić is “widely expected” to agree to terms with the Lakers.
However, Dončić was understandably frustrated after being unexpectedly traded by the Lakers back in February. He had expressed his desire to spend his career with the Mavericks.
Still, though he indicated wanting to be with the Lakers before the playoffs, reports suggest he’s going to take some time this offseason to weigh his options, as per ESPN.
In his time with the Lakers after the trade, Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists over 28 games, but unfortunately, Los Angeles didn’t progress past the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
