During the offseason, multiple reports hinted at possible tension between LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Some speculation even claimed the Los Angeles Lakers were beginning to prioritize Luka over LeBron. Those rumors gained more traction when James was absent from Luka Doncic’s contract extension celebration.
However, once the season tipped off, both their on-court and off-court connection quickly put those narratives to rest. LeBron is expected to eventually hand over the franchise reins to Luka following his retirement. After the Lakers’ Tuesday night game against the New Orleans Pelicans, LeBron addressed Luka’s role within the team.
“Luka don’t need to bend his game (to me),” LeBron said. “He’s our 27-year-old franchise for this ball club. It’s up to us to bend our game around him and figure it out.”
“Luka don’t need to bend his game (to me). He’s our 27-year-old franchise for this ball club. It’s up to us to bend our game around him and figure it out.”
– LeBron James on Luka Doncic
(Via @LakersDailyCom) pic.twitter.com/NhWAnSYImg
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 7, 2026
Luka also demonstrated why he is viewed as LeBron’s ideal successor. During Tuesday’s game, he converted a difficult shot that left even LeBron impressed. During his post-game interview, James couldn’t help but praise Doncic’s confidence and shot-making ability.
“Oh, absolutely,” LeBron said. “It’s still fun, especially in a crunch like that. You know, you know, he does it all the time. So it’s not one shot on the floor that we don’t think you can make no matter if it’s 24 on the shot clock or at the end of the buzzer. So we know he’s Luka magic for a reason,” LeBron said.
The Lakers duo combined 60 points to lead the Lakers to a 111-103 win. With the win, Los Angeles climbed to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
Luka Doncic Praises LeBron James’ Leadership After Lakers Victory
Following the game, Luka made sure to return the respect during his post-game press conference.
“I mean, he’s been absolutely amazing,” Luka said. “You know, just helping me out, helping others out, you know, being super efficient on the field goals. But yeah, he’s proud, you know, he can do anything. So I just really appreciate it. Like I said, when we’re out there, you know, I think we’re both in, we’re playing better with each other game by game. And this is just going to be a proven one.”
Austin Reaves has been sidelined due to injury. He is expected to miss at least four weeks due to a strained gastrocnemius muscle in his left calf. In the meantime, the bond between Luka and LeBron has become even more noticeable.
What once caused concern among Lakers fans, now feels far less uncertain. Instead, there is growing confidence that James is actively preparing Luka to step in and carry the franchise forward.
