Saturday was a great day for the Los Angeles Lakers as they were able to ink superstar Luka Doncic to a three-year contract extension.
At the press conference, Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka called it a monumental moment for the organization, which is reason to celebrate. They now have a 26-year-old global star that is locked down for his prime years.
Some of Doncic’s teammates were in attendance at the press conference, including Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero. Then, they all hopped on a plane to Las Vegas with Pelinka, Jeanie Buss, Mark Walter, Kurt Rambis and JJ Redick, celebrating Doncic’s new deal by attending a Backstreet Boys concert at The Sphere.
One teammate that was notably absent was LeBron James, which of course led to a lot of speculation online give the 40-year-old’s uncertain future in the Lakers organization.
There doesn’t appear to be a notable meaning behind James’ absence, however, as NBA insider Marc Stein is reporting that he FaceTimed Doncic on Saturday morning to congratulate him on the contract extension:
LeBron and son Bronny James were noticeably not in attendance at the news conference, but I’m told that LeBron FaceTimed Dončić on Saturday morning to congratulate him on the new deal.
Even though the Lakers are pivoting from building around James to building around Doncic, the two superstars have always shared a mutual respect.
While LeBron may have not been there in person to celebrate Luka’s extension, it’s nice to see him reach out behind the scenes to congratulate his co-star on his new deal. If the Lakers are gonna make any noise this season in a loaded Western Conference then they will need Doncic and James to be on the same page leading the team, and there have been no signs to this point that won’t be the case.
Luka Doncic has ‘utmost respect’ for LeBron James
Before signing his extension with the Lakers, Luka Doncic let it be known that he has respect for LeBron James and has enjoyed playing with him.
“Luka loves playing with LeBron and has learned so much from him. He has nothing but the utmost respect for LeBron and considers it an honor to be his teammate,” a recent report indicated.
Doncic grew up idolizing James as they have a similar play style, so now getting to team up with him on the Lakers must be a cool feeling.
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