LeBron James news shows exactly how Lakers star feels about Luka Doncic

Joseph Kallan

•
LeBron James news shows exactly how Lakers star feels about Luka Doncic image

Kiyoshi Mio | 2025 Apr 22

LeBron James made his highly anticipated season debut this past week after spending the first month of the regular season sidelined due to sciatica.

Let’s just say he didn’t disappoint.

Dropping a modest 11 points and three rebounds, James also recorded 12 assists, leaving fans everywhere amazed that the King still has plenty of gas left in the tank.

Aside from directly contributing to the Lakers’ offensive success, James made it clear that his return wasn’t about him, but about the teammates responsible for the team’s 11-4 start in the Western Conference. Before lineups were announced, James personally requested not to be introduced last, leaving that spotlight for none other than Luka Dončić.

James was instead introduced first, energizing the crowd inside Crypto.com Arena and setting the tone early. Traditionally, a team’s star player is announced last in the starting lineup.

It’s evident this Lakers team no longer revolves around LeBron — it revolves around Dončić. During his postgame interview, James quickly shut down the idea that his return shifted the team’s dynamic, emphasizing instead the success and growth of his teammates.

James’ time in the NBA is undeniably nearing its end, as difficult as that may be for fans to accept. He turns 41 on December 30 and has already become the first player in league history to play 23 seasons.

As for what’s next, Dončić continues to steer the Lakers toward contention. He’s averaging 34.6 points, nine assists, 8.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals on 47.2% shooting. Not only is he leading the NBA in scoring, but he also ranks first among guards in rebounding and third in assists.

Whoever the Lakers rely on to make timely plays and winning baskets on the court, LeBron is making just as many — if not more — off of it.

More Lakers news:

Staff Writer