There has been an ongoing debate over who has been the true leader of the Los Angeles Lakers this NBA season: LeBron James or Luka Dončić.
Despite being on the team for the longest, James made a clear response to that question with regard to his co-star.
What Did Lakers LeBron James Say About Luka Dončić?
James and the Lakers are coming off a 116-110 road win over the Dallas Mavericks, Dončić’s former team, on Jan. 24. It involved a big rally in the fourth quarter as Los Angeles outscored Dallas 37-23 in the last 12 minutes of action.
James finished with a stat line of 17 points, eight rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and a block throughout 37 minutes of action. As for Dončić, he put up 33 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and a block in 39 minutes of play.
James reflected on the win after the game, via Lakers Lead. He noted that Dončić has embraced the responsibilities as the top star since joining the team last February. This season has seen him take the next step, earning praise from James in the process.
“I think the biggest thing this year it’s just more comfortable. Understanding the system, understanding the city, the city embracing him. Understanding that this is his team. We’re all rallying around him. Obviously, we know it’s kind of an emotional/big game when you come back and play your former team. He showed who he is tonight,” James said.
LeBron declares the Lakers are Luka’s team 👀
“I think the biggest thing this year it’s just more comfortable. Understanding the system, understanding the city, the city embracing him. Understanding that this is his team. We’re all rallying around him. Obviously, we know it’s… pic.twitter.com/pTEGBoEpH2
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) January 25, 2026
What’s Next on the Schedule for James and the Lakers?
James is going through the twilight years of his career with the Lakers at age 40. It’s clear that he is passing the torch to Dončić, who is leading the franchise to their next era of basketball when James retires from the game.
Dončić has enjoyed a surge in his offensive game midway through his second season with the Lakers. 36 games in, he is averaging 33.4 points, 8.7 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. He is shooting 46.7% from the field, including 33.4% from beyond the arc, and 79% from the free-throw line.
Los Angeles has a 27-17 record on the season, sitting at fifth place in the Western Conference standings. They are 0.5 games above the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves. However, they trail the Houston Rockets by 0.5 games and the Denver Nuggets by three games.
The last five games of the Lakers’ eight-game road trip will all feature Eastern Conference opponents. Their first contest of that stretch will involve the Chicago Bulls as the duel takes place on Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. ET.
