“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career.” LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, made it clear why the Lakers superstar opted into his massive $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Soon after this announcement, Dorian Finney-Smith declined his $15.4 million deal, heading for free agency. Amidst this uncertainty, even Luka Doncic’s future might not be as straightforward as previously believed.

The Slovenian star is eligible for a contract extension in August. Rob Pelinka and the front office would obviously love to sign the 5x All-Star to a long-term deal. According to Jovan Buha, it’s not that simple. While answering a fan question about the effects of the LeBron/Lakers breakup, the reporter said this could be a factor for Doncic, too.

“It’s a factor for sure. I can’t tell like you know without directly hearing from Luka or his representation, which  I haven’t had those conversations in the last few hours, you know yet. I can’t tell you with confidence like how much of a factor that is but certainly Luka’s I mean, I think Luka being a guy who values loyalty is something that would actually be more of a factor in him staying with the Lakers and maybe looking past some of the stuff that happens this summer. However, I also think it’s a factor of if LeBron follows up with this and actually asks out how they manage that is going to be interesting.”

Loyalty is definitely a big factor for Luka Doncic; after all, the exit from the Dallas Mavericks is still fresh. It is pretty much assumed that after LeBron, the key to the Lakers franchise lies with Luka Magic. So, if this agreement is ugly, it will be on the 26-year-old’s mind. But Buha added, “So I think that could be a factor. I don’t think it’s the biggest factor, I don’t think it’s going to lead to him leaving.”

The point guard has already showcased his dedication by cutting down weight during the offseason. As he surely wants to contend for the championship, added Buha. “Everything that’s come out of what Luka wants is to win championships, to compete for championships, and to get back to where he was in 2024. And I think he’s holding up his end of the bargain right now. The Lakers, I think, have to hold up their end of the bargain.”

The front office will have to add more pieces to build a winning roster. With DFS leaving and no sign of a center, it might turn away both James and Doncic to a new team.

Luka Doncic has interest from LeBron’s former team

After being friends for a while, their future might make them opponents in the East. After the ultimatum from Rich Paul, we got an update from LeBron himself. He was spotted at a bar, drink in hand, casually saying a line that instantly caused headlines. He said, “I ain’t mad looking at New York.” Was this a hint at life after basketball? Or just a joke?

The Lakers fanbase is definitely worried about this update. Even Luka Doncic could move to the East, that too, with the Miami Heat. “I’ve mentioned this before, I believe, like a while ago, I want to say right when Luka got to the team. The team I could see is Miami.” Buha explained his statement that there were talks before the Lakers-Mavs trade, as Miami was looking at a future destination for Doncic.

If the Slovenian had stayed in Dallas and opted out of their initial contract, then “all of a sudden, he wants out or starts to explore his options. Miami was a team that I heard around the time of the Luka trade.” Once again, the senior reporter added a caveat.

“Now he’s a Laker, so I think we’re, we’re far away from Luka potentially leaving.” Nobody saw/predicted he would have a future away from Dallas.

Even though the chances are slim, one misstep from Rob Pelinka and Co., and they might end up regretting their moves.