Luka Doncic Confirms LeBron James Called to Bid Goodbye: “Thank You For Everything”

Luka Doncic and LeBron James shared a close bond during their time together with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Luka Doncic Confirms LeBron James Called to Bid Goodbye: “Thank You For Everything”

LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image credits - Bleacher Report)

The Los Angeles Lakers have officially entered the post-LeBron James era. After joining the franchise as a free agent in 2018, James became its face and led it to a championship in 2020.

However, Luka Doncic took over as the franchise superstar after his shocking move from the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline last year. The move caught the NBA world by surprise, including James himself.

While Doncic took the reins from James, it was clear the two shared the leadership role during their one-and-a-half seasons together. But now, the Lakers are officially beginning the Luka Doncic era.

After James left the Lakers, Doncic said he reached out to the King after learning he had decided to end his eight-year tenure in LA.

I reached out to him, you know, thank you for everything. Obviously, it was amazing being his teammate. Like I said, I learned so many things. Obviously, they’re going to say it’s a lot more pressure, but it’s not really pressure. It’s an honor.

Luka Doncic on Sports Illustrated

During their time together, James made it clear that Doncic was the focal point of the team. It was the first time James took a step back in his career.

With Doncic missing the entire playoffs last season due to injury, the 41-year-old led the Lakers to a second-round finish before deciding to part ways in the summer. The Slovenian grew up idolizing James and thanked him for the time they spent together.

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Luka Doncic has fond memories of playing alongside LeBron James

There is no doubt that the Lakers had one of the most fearsome offensive duos in LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Although Doncic led the team in nearly every statistical category, James was seen as the locker-room leader.

Luka Doncic and LeBron James
Luka Doncic and LeBron James (Image credits – Bleacher Report)

In his interview with Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, Doncic revealed what he respects the most about James during their time together.

He just let me be me, and I really respect that. And the way he approached the game with us, it was unbelievable. It was very respectable. I had so much fun playing with him. 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.

Luka Doncic on Sports Illustrated

It is unfortunate NBA fans didn’t get to see more of James and Doncic together, especially in the postseason. They were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round in 2025 before their second-round exit this year.

The Lakers consulted Luka Doncic on roster moves after LeBron James’ exit

The Lakers have made several changes on and off the court since James’ exit. They saw an ownership change, and several arrivals and departures in their roster. It was reported that Doncic had a big say in all their decisions as the roster was built around him.

During the interview, he opened up about the new-look roster heading into the new season.

I think we have a great team. I think we’re very deep, which is very important, especially going through the playoffs.

Luka Doncic on Sports Illustrated

Luka Doncic is coming off an impressive 2025-26 campaign. He came fourth in the MVP race and won the scoring title as he averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in 64 appearances.

With a completely shaken roster, excitement has been high within the Lakers camp. However, the new-look squad has been met with mixed reactions. While some believe that this team is very similar to the 2024 Mavs team that Doncic led to the NBA Finals, some are not buying into the hype and believe they are overrated.

Only time will tell how good the Lakers are. But for now, the excitement level is very high, and Doncic has made it clear that the intent is to win the championship next year.

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