The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of the most shocking trades in NBA history back in February when they acquired Luka Doncic and paired him with LeBron James.
Entering their first full season as teammates, James has shared what he loves about Doncic’s game. “King James” told Jason Gay of The Wall Street Journal that he admires the Slovenian superstar’s approach to the game and his high basketball IQ.
“I JUST LOVE the way he approaches the game,” James said. “I love the way he plays the game. More importantly, man, he’s just a great f—ing guy. … Big-time savant of the game. I always use IQ as a measuring point in basketball—guys who can think the game. There are so many guys in our league who can play the game, but to be able to think the game as well puts you at another level.”
Gay described Doncic’s first full season with the Lakers as his “revenge tour,” plus a slimmer look that got a lot of people talking this offseason. The 26-year-old guard showcased the fruits of his summer by performing admirably in the 2025 EuroBasket Slovenia.
On the other hand, LeBron James’ offseason was initially filled with rumors about a potential trade. While the four-time NBA champion spent time in the gym, he found his new obsession by regularly playing golf.
NBA Insider Shares Update on LeBron James’ Future
Amid the rumors surrounding his future with the Los Angeles Lakers and potential retirement, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst added fuel to the fire with his latest scoop. Windhorst revealed on a recent episode of “The Hoop Collective” podcast that James might be playing his final season in the NBA and could even join another league.
“I keep hearing people like, ‘This might be the last year, this might be the last year.’ Look, he’s been linked to potentially playing in other leagues. I don’t know, maybe. But if he stays healthy, I do not see LeBron James slowing down. Maybe he’s tired of doing it, but I do not see LeBron James slowing down that much,” Windhorst said.
“King James” is turning 41 on December 30 and will be entering his record-breaking 23rd season in the NBA. He’s still among the best players in the league, but the Lakers giving Luka Doncic a three-year, $165 million extension was a signal that the team will build around him moving forward.
It should also be pointed out that James’ business manager, Maverick Carter, is an advisor to a group of investors looking to create a new basketball league. Shams Charania of ESPN reported Carter’s involvement back in February.
LeBron James Dispels Notion About His Age
Speaking to “CGTN Sports Scene” last week, LeBron James brushed off the concerns about his age. James will be the oldest player in the NBA for the second straight season, but he doesn’t feel it in his body.
“Nah, age doesn’t matter. Age is just a number for sure. I definitely feel, you know, energetic. You know, anytime I’m out there on the floor trying to give everything I got to my teammates, you know, it’s about that win,” James said.
James is entering the final year of his contract with the Lakers. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent next summer.