After news broke that LeBron James would be leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, Luka Dončić was quick to pay tribute to his former teammate.
James, who spent eight seasons with the Lakers and won the NBA championship in 2020, is leaving the franchise in search of a new challenge ahead of his 24th season in the league.
Luka Dončić Sends Message to LeBron James After Lakers Exit
Dončić, who joined the Lakers in a stunning trade with the Dallas Mavericks in 2025, formed a blockbuster partnership with James. Together, they helped the franchise make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
However, an injury to Dončić during the 2025/26 season left the shorthanded Lakers swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
That 4-0 sweep proved to be James’ final act for the Lakers, and Dončić called playing alongside the four-time NBA champion an “honor.”
“An honor to play with and learn from you,” Dončić wrote on his Instagram story in a message to James.
Luka Doncic’s reaction to LeBron James moving on: “An honor to play with and learn from you” pic.twitter.com/CleXLdscC9
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 30, 2026
Dončić grew up admiring James and often cited him as an idol. He also expressed his excitement about teaming up with James, calling it a “dream come true,” during his Lakers unveiling press conference in February 2025.
With James leaving, the mantle to lead the Lakers now falls on Dončić. The franchise is building its future around the 27-year-old, and recently reached an agreement with Austin Reaves over a four-year, $185 million maximum contract extension.
Dončić was keen to ensure that Reaves formed the backcourt alongside him next season, and reportedly asked the Lakers hierarchy not to include him in a trade package for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Meanwhile, the NBA world now awaits James’ decision on his future. The 41-year-old is being linked with a third stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers and a return to the Miami Heat.
However, the Golden State Warriors are also said to be exploring the possibility of pairing up James with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Anthony Davis in what would be one of the most ambitious moves of the offseason.
James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds for the Lakers last season and raised his level further during the playoffs, showcasing that he is still more than capable of playing at an elite level. No matter where he lands this offseason, his aim will undoubtedly be to win a fifth NBA championship.
