Copyright sportskeeda
Luka Doncic and LeBron James are sharing the duties of being the faces of the LA Lakers. However, the franchise has committed its future to Doncic by signing him to a three-year extension, while James is in the final year of his contract. While rumors of a potential rift between the two superstars have been circulating, an NBA insider recently rejected the idea. Speaking on "Sports Central LA" with former NFL player and veteran sports analyst Jim Hill, Mark Medina believes that things are going to be good in Los Angeles, at least on the court. The only issue Medina is expecting is James' status as an impending free agent in a season wherein the Lakers might win it all. "I don't think on the court," Medina said. "I think LeBron is gonna embrace playing off the ball, having a reduced scoring load. I think he'll buy in defensively. I think the tension's gonna be how LeBron finishes what potentially could be his final season and if the Lakers are about making moves that maximize his chance to win a championship."LeBron James was linked to multiple trade rumors in the offseason, with his agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul saying that at least four teams were interested in the four-time NBA MVP. He was even linked to the Golden State Warriors before they acquired Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline. Nevertheless, James enters his 23rd season more positively despite starting it off with an injury. Luka Doncic has led the LA Lakers to a 7-3 start, which is something that not many analysts predicted. Jason Whitlock makes huge claim about LeBron James and Luka DoncicJason Whitlock makes huge claim about LeBron James and Luka Doncic. (Photo: IMAGN)On the latest episode of the "Fearless" podcast with Jason Whitlock, guest Paul Burkhardt claimed that LeBron James' sciatica injury was merely a ruse to allow the LA Lakers to fail without him. However, the Lakers are off to a hot start, and Whitlock agreed with Burkhardt's take about "The King" wanting out of Los Angeles. But the host went as far as saying that Luka Doncic doesn't want to play with James. "You're talking about LeBron James just sitting out his last year," Whitlock said, according to USA Today. "And no one wanting him or thinking he’s worth the hassle or worth the money. … Luka Doncic doesn't want LeBron back. That could be part of the problem as well."James has been cleared for contact in practice and is scheduled to be re-evaluated in one to two weeks.
