Lakers GM Sends Clear Message on LeBron James' Future After Luka Doncic Extension

Lakers GM Sends Clear Message on LeBron James' Future After Luka Doncic Extension originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Los Angeles Lakers fans took a collective breath on Saturday as Luka Doncic inked a three-year extension with the team, worth up to $165 million.

The decision comes after the Lakers pulled off arguably one of the biggest trades in the history of professional sports this past season, a three-team deal centered around injury-riddled veteran Anthony Davis being sent to Dallas in exchange for the five-time All-NBA guard.

While there is now no more uncertainty around the 26-year-old Doncic's immediate future, the large question looming over the Lakers now centers around what LeBron James wants. The four-time NBA MVP turns 41 years old in December and is heading into his 23rd NBA season, yet he is still playing at an All-NBA level, being named to the second team this past season.

James has also been at the center of trade rumors all offseason despite picking up his $52.6 million player option, and it's still unclear what he actually wants. However, the Lakers' general manager sent a simple message regarding James on Saturday.

Rob Pelinka Reveals What LeBron James Should Do After Luka Doncic Extension

As shared to X by ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Pelinka expressed that James should want to finish his career as a Laker.

"If he had a chance to retire a Laker," Pelinka said. "That would be great."

James has not been shy about stirring up rumors about his potential departure from the Lakers, as he took photos at the Cleveland Cavaliers' facility earlier this offseason and posted a picture of himself working out at the old Los Angeles Clippers facility recently.

LeBron James' Reaction to Luka Doncic Extension

Although James is extremely active on social media, as of writing, he has yet to comment on Doncic's extension publicly.

Instead, he has posted multiple videos to his story of himself golfing.

What's Next for LeBron James and Luka Doncic

The message that sparked all of the rumors around James came June 29 via his agent, Rich Paul, who expressed that it felt like the Lakers were building toward the future rather than focusing on winning now.

Since those comments, in addition to extending Doncic, the Lakers have signed the following players:

• Center Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million contract.
• Forward Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million contract.
• Guard Marcus Smart to a two-year, $11 million contract.

So, while Doncic may be the face of the franchise now, it does appear the Lakers put forth an effort to appease James.

Related: Luka Doncic Earns Praise for Surprising $5 Million Decision Following Lakers Extension

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.