Los Angeles Lakers reportedly sidelining LeBron James from key decisions amid Luka Doncic era | NBA News
The Los Angeles Lakers‘ historic acquisition of Luka Doncic in February signaled a dramatic change in the team’s approach. The team traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks and paired Luka Doncic with LeBron James in an attempt to open their chance for a championship. However, now it seems like the franchise is apparently trying to cut the NBA legend from a major team decision.
LeBron James reportedly left out of major team-decisions as they shift focus to Luka Doncic
On May 3, four days after the Minnesota Timberwolves’ first-round playoff victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, Torrey Craig reserved a booth for four VIPs. Coach JJ Redick, general manager Rob Pelinka, the LA Lakers’ new star point player Luka Doncic, and his long-time manager Lara Beth Seager were present.However, LeBron James, the center of every LA Lakers’ strategy and decision over the last seven or more years, was not present. This sparked rumors that something was happening within the team, which reportedly excluded the NBA legend. Additionally, in recent weeks, speculation regarding the NBA icon’s long-term future in Los Angeles has intensified. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, there have been rumors that his contract with the LA Lakers may be nearing an end. This happened after his agent, Rich Paul, publicly acknowledged that he is reportedly thinking about what’s best for his career.Moreover, a recent article from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne confirmed the NBA legend’s feelings over the LA Lakers’ latest decision. As per Athlon Sports, they wrote: “James understood the Lakers taking advantage of an opportunity to pivot to the younger superstar.. But from James’ perspective, nuance was sometimes lost during the transition. Doncic had never asked to be a Laker. James, for his part, had chosen L.A., coming in 2018 when the team had missed the playoffs five consecutive seasons, the worst run for the franchise since it moved from Minneapolis. Two years later, James had helped deliver a 17th championship.”
LeBron James in action (Image via Getty Images)
Additionally, LeBron James was reportedly not informed about the LA Lakers’ team sale, yet Luka Doncic was. ESPN reported: “When the Buss family agreed to sell a majority stake in the franchise to Mark Walter on June 18, Doncic was given a heads-up and notably posted a congratulations on social media afterward. James was not given the same notice and did not post any public acknowledgement afterward.”On the other hand, the LA Lakers’ front office has not yet made a formal announcement on its player option choice. This has fuelled speculation that the two sides’ relationship may be more strained than it first seems. Now, only time will tell what’s actually happening in the team. Also read: Los Angeles Lakers reportedly preparing to move on from LeBron James by spring 2026
