Lake Media: Doncic is already the face of the store & James may leave, and the team has a greater chance of being led by the former

Basketball 11:28am, 3 August 2025 116

Today, the Lakers officially announced that the team officially reached an early contract renewal with Ludoncic. According to previous reports, Doncic and the Lakers reached a three-year, $165 million early contract renewal, including player options for the 2028-2029 season. Later, Lakeshowlife posted a post to talk about this.

The Lakers reached an early contract renewal agreement with Doncic, which not only established his core position as the team's future, but also made James' future more confusing.

This year during the offseason, LeBron chose to execute the last year of his contract, but did not receive a renewal. Although LeBron is still a member of the Lakers, he has not had much time with the team.

Apparently, Luca has become the new face of the Lakers, and he has taken on the task of recruiting talents and becoming the best player. Doncic is eager to win the championship by changing his size. LeBron certainly helped achieve this. In 2025, LeBron was selected into the NBA's second team, but how long can the 40-year-old veteran last?

Many people have thought LeBron would end his career as a Lakers player, but Luca's arrival changed all of that. Now, the team is rebuilding around the young star. The Lakers are not in a hurry to keep LeBron. The 2025-26 season may be LeBron's last season with the Purple and Gold Army, and with Luca's contract renewal, the possibility becomes even greater. Doncic recruits Smart & Ayton

The Lakers have a unique opportunity next summer. Even with Luca locked in, they still have a lot of cap space. Austin Reeves will refuse to execute the player option and his salary occupies a very low place. Robert Pelinka and management can bring in a new star and re-sign Reeves. This may be the opportunity for the Lakers to quickly enter the championship ranks under Luca's leadership.

Where is LeBron in this plan? Will he be willing to cut his salary and stay in Los Angeles? LeBron may need to look for a new team or retire if he doesn't want to. LeBron is likely to hope for a retirement tour in his final season, but there is no news yet. If LeBron wants to continue playing, the Lakers may force him to leave.

It is expected that multiple teams will have salary space next summer. LeBron will be one of the hottest free agents on the market, especially if he is again selected to the NBA All-Squad. Several teams will line up to sign the all-time scoring champion.

The Lakers are withdrawing from the "LeBron era" and focusing on building a team around Doncic. Doncic is 14 years younger than LeBron and is currently one of the top four players in the world. This is a wise choice. Although LeBron is dissatisfied with this, Old Man Time is invincible.

With LeBron approaching his 41st birthday, the Lakers must prepare for a future without him. This is the norm in the sports world. The Los Angeles Lakers renew their contract with Doncic and are ready to compete immediately. He will remain with the team this season unless LeBron takes the initiative to ask for a deal. But after next season, everything is likely to change. If the Lakers can find a better option, don't be surprised to see LeBron wear other team jerseys in the 2026-27 season. Fans may be disappointed, but if the Lakers win, everything will be forgotten. Under Luca's leadership, their chances are very great.

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