Luka Doncic has reacted to LeBron James’ departure from the Los Angeles Lakers. The Slovenian thanked the 41-year-old for their time together on the court.
In an Instagram Story, Doncic wrote the following about LeBron’s departure: “It was an honor for me to play with you and learn from you,” read the brief thank-you message from the Slovenian, who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025.
During their time together, the Lakers made the playoffs twice. In 2025, however, their run ended in the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves (1-4); the following year, Doncic was unable to play in the postseason because a thigh injury forced him to sit out.
There, the Lakers won their first series against Houston 4-2, but then stood no chance against the then-reigning champions from Oklahoma City (0-4). In total, the duo took the court together in 72 games, with the Lakers winning 47 of them.
Doncic Is Now the Face of the Lakers
Doncic is now the Lakers’ sole franchise star—which had been the Lakers’ plan all along since the trade. According to Ramona Shelburne (ESPN), a strategic meeting was held in the summer of 2025 during which Doncic was presented with the plan for the coming years. LeBron did not attend the meeting and reportedly was not even mentioned during it.
The Lakers are now on the cusp of a new era; Doncic is under contract through 2029 but can opt out of his deal a year early. Austin Reaves remains as his co-star; the shooting guard signed a four-year maximum contract extension just a few days ago.