One of the biggest questions for the Los Angeles Lakers is the longevity of LeBron James. No one is sure how long James will continue playing in the NBA, but Luka Doncic has reportedly expressed his interest in playing alongside the star beyond the 2025-26 season. This year will be the first time the two will have an entire regular season as co-stars, after just appearing in 23 games together last season.
Together, the two stars are the first and second options of head coach JJ Redick. Despite James being 40 years old, he still plays a significant role in the team’s success and Doncic sees his value on the court. It’s not just the Slovenian sensation who has reportedlt expressed his interest in playing with the four-time champion after the season.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, even Austin Reaves wants to see James as part of the Lakers roster beyond the new campaign.
“As great as James has been, extending his prime well beyond any reasonable actuarial table, there is a natural question as to how his timeline syncs up with the team’s two other best players, both of whom are in their mid 20s. Doncic and Reaves, for their part, love playing with James and want the partnership to continue, sources told ESPN,” McMenamin wrote.
“Doncic, who idolized James growing up, has enjoyed their partnership and believes James is vital to L.A.’s ability to win now, sources said. He is also undaunted by any spectacle or circus that could come with pairing up with James as he closes out his career because Doncic already experienced an aging legend on his farewell tour when Dirk Nowitzki’s last season with the Dallas Mavericks coincided with Doncic’s rookie year. Doncic found the time with Nowitzki to be invaluable, sources said.”
Luka Doncic sees the importance of having a veteran like James on the team. But the decision is on the four-time MVP if he’ll retire after the 2025-26 campaign.
Luka Doncic hasn’t asked James about his retirement
The process of thinking about retirement isn’t an easy task, especially for James, who has been active in the NBA since 2003. So it’s understandable that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have not discussed what the 21-time All-Star’s plans are for his career.
The Lakers’ stars want to show respect to James’ process regarding his retirement.
“Both players have not inquired with James about when he plans to retire, sources said, wanting to show respect for James’ process.”
The four-time MVP has not talked about it, but there have been rumors circulating around the league.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
