On Saturday, Luka Doncic secured a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension with the LA Lakers, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. While many Lakers players and staff gathered at the team’s training facility to celebrate Doncic’s new deal, LeBron James was notably missing from the event.
A photo shared by NBA reporter Rachel Nichols on X showed Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, coach JJ Redick, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and several other teammates standing alongside Doncic. LeBron James and Austin Reaves were among the key figures absent from the group picture.
Fans React Strongly to LeBron James Missing Luka’s Contract Event
The absence of LeBron James quickly drew attention on social media, with fans expressing surprise and disappointment that the four-time NBA champion did not attend Doncic’s celebration. Many online users criticized LeBron, speculating about the reasons behind his absence and questioning his commitment to the team’s future.
“LeBron is salty of Luka getting crazy money isn’t he,” a fan said.
These candid reactions highlighted discussions around team dynamics and LeBron’s role as the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season.
Lakers’ GM Addresses LeBron James’ Status During Luka Doncic’s Press Conference
During Luka Doncic’s press conference, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka was asked about LeBron James’ future with the team. Pelinka responded by emphasizing that the decision about LeBron’s retirement or continued tenure as a Laker is entirely up to the player.
“All the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp Rich in particular have been positive and supportive,” Pelinka said. “We want to respect his ability to come up with his timetable. If he had a chance to retire a Laker that would be great.”
This remark suggests that the Lakers are maintaining open and respectful communication with LeBron amid ongoing speculation.
LeBron James’ Current Contract Situation and Offseason Rumors
LeBron James, who is entering his 23rd NBA season, recently opted into his $52.6 million player option for the next season. This decision comes after the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing the series 4-1. The offseason has been filled with trade rumors involving LeBron, adding further uncertainty to his future with the team.
Implications of LeBron James’ Absence and Next Steps for the Lakers
LeBron James skipping Luka Doncic’s contract celebration has sparked speculation about internal team relations and the Lakers’ direction moving forward. As Doncic steps into a leadership role with his new contract, LeBron’s choices regarding his career and team involvement will likely impact the Lakers’ strategy in the coming seasons. With ongoing dialogues between LeBron and team management, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.