Luka Doncic reflected on his experience playing alongside LeBron James in his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, describing James’ approach as one of the most positive aspects of the transition.
Doncic joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024-25 season and spent the following season sharing the court with James. Speaking to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, Doncic acknowledged that the transition was not seamless because the two stars had limited time to develop their partnership.
“We didn’t really get time to practice or get to know each other or how we wanted to play,” Doncic said, comparing the situation to Dallas’ 2022-23 season after the Mavericks acquired Kyrie Irving during the season.
Despite the circumstances, Doncic said there was no tension between him and James, even as speculation surrounding James’ future with the Lakers continued throughout the 2025-26 season.
“He just let me be me, and I really respect that,” Doncic said. “And the way he approached the game with us, it was unbelievable. It was very respectable. I had so much fun playing with him.”
The partnership produced a strong regular season for Los Angeles. The Lakers finished 53-29, fourth in the Western Conference, with Doncic averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 64 games while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range.
James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games, shooting 51.5% from the field. The four-time NBA champion also earned another All-Star selection at age 41.
Austin Reaves was another major part of the Lakers’ core, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 49.0% from the field and 36.0% from three-point range.
However, the Lakers’ season ended in the second round when they were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dončić believes the outcome could have been different if injuries had not affected him and Reaves.
“And, like I said, I think we could have made some noise in the playoffs if me and AR don’t get injured. I think we had a chance,” Doncic said.
James subsequently left Los Angeles in free agency, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers have since reshaped the roster around Doncic and Reaves, signing Walker Kessler to a four-year, $129.5 million deal and re-signing Reaves to a four-year contract worth approximately $180 million.
The 2026-27 Lakers will therefore enter the post-James era with Doncic firmly established as the franchise’s centerpiece.
