The Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic made it official on Saturday. They will work in tandem to try to reach the top of the basketball world over the next few seasons. Like many anticipated, the Slovenian superstar signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the franchise that stunningly acquired him six months ago. Doncic can opt out via a 2028 player option, but many believe this is just the first of multiple deals he will ink in LA.
This move provides a firm answer to the question that once piqued analysts and fans' curiosity: how will life after LeBron James look in Laker land? The torch was supposed to be passed to Anthony Davis. Instead, after clandestine negotiations between Los Angeles and the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic is now the man entrusted to lead the next era of Purple and Gold basketball. This one is not over yet, though.
The squad has high expectations for the 2025-26 campaign, especially since the five-time All-NBA First-Team selection is now fully committed to the organization. Several of Doncic's Lakers teammates attended No. 77's momentous press conference, showing their support for the man they hope can help bring them to the NBA Finals. Longtime reporter and analyst Rachel Nichols captured the camaraderie on social media. There were some notable players absent, however.
Fans quickly noticed that LeBron James was not present at the UCLA Health Training Center on Saturday. They were not shy about commenting on it.
Most of the Lakers roster here supporting Luka as he announces his new max contract. pic.twitter.com/Ihdqa4p9HB
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) August 2, 2025
Fans run wild with speculation after Luka Doncic-Lakers photo
“Someone is missing,” @Scope360Journal posted on X. “Let the ‘LeBron's not there!' narratives begin…” @SudnSam said. “No picture has ever spoken louder,” @PBSportstalks opined on X. “Know what I mean? I doubt he comes back.”
Some people will have their fun and engage in rampant speculation, but James was not the only one absent on Doncic's big day. There were a few others who missed the presser, including Austin Reaves, hence there is no need to panic.
However, considering LeBron James is the face of the franchise, it is reasonable to wonder why he was not there to congratulate Luka Doncic in person. It is unclear if the legendary forward had other obligations, but he did post a video of himself braving some iffy weather conditions on the golf course a couple of hours later. Perhaps arrangements were made in advance. Press conferences frequently come together at the last minute, so maybe the timing was just not right.
James and Doncic have only spoken highly of one another since becoming teammates. The public is not concerned about their relationship. Even so, there are genuine questions regarding the four-time Finals MVP's future with the Lakers. He will be a free agent after next season. Whether or not he retires, it seems possible the 40-year-old James could split with LA.
His time in the NBA is nearing an end regardless, though. Most are in agreement about that. The burden will be on Doncic to ensure that the Lakers are relevant long after James' final game in Crypto.com Arena.
