In the past 48 hours since NBA free agency began, one of the largest stories has been LeBron James’ choice to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025–26 season, exercising his $52.6 million player option. His agent signaled that at 40 years old, LeBron believes he still has unfinished business in Los Angeles, aiming to lead the team for at least one more year.

However, not everyone agrees that the Lakers’ future still revolves around James. NBA analyst John Gambadoro has sparked debate by suggesting that the franchise’s identity is quickly shifting, with Luka Dončić emerging as the new cornerstone of the team.

Questions Arise About the Chemistry Between LeBron James and Luka Dončić

The pairing of LeBron James and Luka Dončić has become one of the NBA’s most talked-about duos. Though the Lakers have struggled to find stability in their frontcourt after trading Anthony Davis, the combination of these two stars continues to excite fans with their strong performances.

During a recent session on the Mind the Game podcast, Luka Dončić commented on his experience playing alongside James, stating,

He’s been playing unbelievable, and I think it’s still a work in progress. You know, I think we’re getting better and better every day.

—Luka Dončić

LeBron James also shared encouraging remarks in this conversation. Despite these positive notes, John Gambadoro offered a contrasting opinion about their relationship. On the Burns and Gambo Show, Gambadoro bluntly claimed,

LeBron does not like playing with Luka. Reeves does not like playing with Luka. Reeves does not like getting the ball with two seconds left on the shot clock. LeBron is not fond of playing with Luka. The Lakers are going to turn their attention to building around Luka, not LeBron.

—John Gambadoro, NBA Analyst

The Shift Toward Luka Dončić as the Team’s Future Leader

Gambadoro’s viewpoint reflects a larger transition within the Lakers organization. While LeBron James remains one of the team’s superstars, there is a recognition that he could be entering his final season. At 40, LeBron still averaged an impressive 24.4 points and 8.2 assists over roughly 70 games last year, underscoring his continued elite performance.

In contrast, Luka Dončić, at just 26 years old, posted an outstanding 28.2 points per game average last season. This aligns closely with Lakers coach JJ Redick’s vision of centering the team’s strategy on Dončić’s talent and potential.

Gambadoro added further context on the implications, saying,

So this is Luka’s team now. I would not be shocked if, like, he’ll probably come back, but I wouldn’t say it’s a guaranteed no-brainer LeBron comes back to the Lakers because there are guys that don’t like playing with Luka.

—John Gambadoro, NBA Analyst

The Lakers’ Direction Beyond LeBron’s Tenure

LeBron James’ role as a power forward remains formidable despite his age, but the Lakers’ long-term plans suggest a shift away from his leadership. With Dončić seen as the centerpiece for the coming years, the team appears to be preparing for a new era that does not center on LeBron.

The claim that LeBron may not be entirely comfortable playing alongside Luka raises important questions about team chemistry and future roster decisions. As the Lakers navigate this transitional period, the relationship between James and Dončić will likely be a critical factor shaping their success.