The Los Angeles Lakers made a power move last February when they acquired Luka Dončić in one of the most shocking deals in NBA history. This season has been more of an adjustment period for Dončić and LeBron James. Still, James has made it clear that his main focus remains competing for a championship.
“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”
The challenge for the Lakers is that they want to build around Dončić, and he wants the process to move quickly.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
There has been some talk that James is having trouble accepting that it is no longer his team. After Saturday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, James was asked about Dončić’s return this season compared to last.
“The most important [thing] is just his comfort. … This year, he’s just more comfortable … Understanding this is his team. So, we are all rallying around him … And he showed why [he is] who he is tonight, obviously,” James said.
James acknowledging that this is Dončić’s team says a lot about how he views his future. This could be the final season for James in Los Angeles, and possibly in the NBA.
As the season continues, it appears more likely that James wants to finish his career on his own terms, rather than in a situation where another superstar arrives and gradually pushes him aside. James now seems fully aware of where he stands at this stage of his career.
