Luka Doncic Hasn’t Asked LeBron James About NBA Retirement Plans

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic reportedly has not inquired with fellow teammate LeBron James about when the future Hall of Famer plans to retire from the NBA, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Love Playing With LeBron James

Doncic and Austin Reaves “love playing with James” and want the partnership to continue for the foreseeable future, sources close to the team told ESPN on Friday.

“Both players have not inquired with James about when he plans to retire, sources said, wanting to show respect for James’ process,” McMenamin wrote.

In July, Doncic put out this statement to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne through his manager, Laura Beth Seager:

“Luka loves playing with LeBron and has learned so much from him. He has nothing but the utmost respect for LeBron and considers it an honor to be his teammate.”

During the Lakers’ annual media day last week, the first question reporters asked James was about retirement.

“I don’t know,” said James, who is set to enter his record 23rd NBA season. “I’m excited about the opportunity to play the game that I love for another season.

“And however the journey lays out this year, I’m just super invested. Because, like you said, I don’t know when the end is, but I know it’s a lot sooner than later.”

James Could Sign Three-Year, $188 Million Deal

Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Lakers are projected to have approximately $50 million in cap space, which would all be eliminated if James seeks a new max contract.

James will be eligible to sign up to a three-year deal for $188 million, with a starting salary of $58.1 million for the 2026-27 season. He exercised his $52.6 million option for 2025-26 in June without negotiating for an extension.

After James opted into his contract, his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, issued a statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania that many viewed as an indication that James could finish his career with another team.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul said. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. … We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career.”

However, the Purple and Gold will be without James for the next three to four weeks as he deals with sciatica in his right side. The 40-year-old missed L.A.’s first two preseason games and has yet to participate in a full practice because of nerve irritation in his glute.