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The Los Angeles Lakers made it official over the weekend, Luka Doncic is their franchise cornerstone after signing a three-year, $165 million extension.
While teammates showed up to support the 26-year-old star at his press conference, LeBron James was notably absent.
That absence, combined with the Lakers’ organizational pivot from James to Doncic, has fueled speculation about what’s next for the 40-year-old.
Shams Charania reported that James is still on board with the direction of the franchise despite the optics, speaking on ESPN’s Get Up.
“The one thing I can say, though, is that he has been very supportive and very understanding of where this Lakers organization is headed, and that’s what Luka Doncic is the face [of the franchise],” Charania said. “And I think the Lakers, as well, are equally as understanding that he wants to be in a situation where he feels comfortable, and at the end of the day, ending his career on his own terms.”
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka echoed that message during Doncic’s press conference.
“So all the interactions we’ve had with LeBron and his camp, Rich in particular, have been positive and supportive, so very professional and Rich [Paul] has been great,” Pelinka told reporters. “The dialogue with him has been open and constant. So that helps answer that question.”
Still, not everyone is convinced things are running smoothly. Longtime NBA analyst Bill Simmons called the situation “bizarre.”
“The whole thing is just bizarre to watch,” Simmons said on The Bill Simmons Podcast,. “LeBron James has been in control of every situation he’s ever been in, basketball-wise, who has always held the cards. This is the first time ever where that’s not the case.”
READ MORE: Rob Pelinka Gets Honest About LeBron Retiring as a Laker
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