LeBron James Praises Luka Doncic's Impact on Lakers

LeBron James praises Luka Doncic's impact on the Lakers, but remains uncertain about his own future with the team. Read more about their dynamic.

LeBron James will take his time deciding whether to return for a 23rd NBA season after the Los Angeles Lakers' early playoff exit. When asked about his future, James said, “I don't know... I don't have the answer to that. (It's) Something I sit down with my family, my wife and my support group, and kind of just talk through it and see what happens and just have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play.”

James' comments suggest he is weighing his options carefully, considering both his personal and professional goals. The Lakers' disappointing playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves likely factors into his decision-making process as he evaluates his future in the league.

LeBron James, who turned 40 on December 30th, had another remarkable season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. Despite achieving new milestones, including becoming the league's all-time leading scorer with over 50,000 career points, the Lakers fell short of a fifth NBA title.

James continued to defy age, joining Michael Jordan as one of the few players to score 40 points at 40. He achieved this feat with a 42-point performance in a win over the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers were further bolstered by the addition of Luka Doncic, though it wasn't enough to propel them past the first round of the playoffs.

LeBron James on Playing Alongside Bronny

For LeBron James, the highlight of his season wasn't breaking records or achieving milestones, but playing alongside his son Bronny in a regular-season NBA game. “Number one, for sure,” James said. “That's not even close.”

James described the experience as one of the most gratifying of his career, saying, “To be able to play the game that I love and to be able to be alongside my son, this whole year has been one of the most gratifying, satisfying journeys I've ever been on.” This moment was a long-awaited one for James, made possible when the Lakers drafted Bronny last year.

LeBron James Praises Bronny and JJ Redick

LeBron James expressed pride in his son Bronny's development, saying he was “super proud” watching him grow from Summer League to the G League and his brief stints with the Lakers. Bronny spent much of the season in the G League, but James appreciated the opportunity to see him improve over time.

James also commended first-year coach JJ Redick, noting that being a rookie head coach is tough, but “a hell of a lot harder being a rookie head coach coaching the Lakers.” James added, “I thought he handled it extremely well.”

LeBron James says having a guy like Luka Doncic is "dynamic for any franchise" but acknowledged there are challenges for a team when you make a big change like that to the roster mid-season.

— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) May 1, 2025

Regarding the arrival of Luka Doncic in February, James was energized by the “generational talent” but questioned whether there was enough time ”to mesh.”

LeBron James praised Luka Doncic, saying, “Ultimately, having a guy like that is very dynamic for any franchise.” However, James was cautious about discussing potential roster changes or his own future with the Lakers.

“It's a business, so you don't know what the roster will look like next year... I don't know where I stand right now,” James said, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the team's future lineup and his own role in it.