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3mo ago

Lakers Focus Offseason on Championship Push with James and Dončić

LeBron James is expected to return next season as the Lakers build around his partnership with Luka Dončić.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 25, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Los Angeles Lakers guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.

Overview

  • Los Angeles aims to bolster its roster after a first-round playoff exit that capped the inaugural James-Dončić pairing.
  • Front office sources say Austin Reaves is unlikely to be moved unless the team receives an “impossibly good offer,” preserving him as a key third scoring option.
  • Luka Dončić has embraced life in Los Angeles, praising the nearby ocean while noting its heavy traffic as his only gripe.
  • The Lakers announced four preseason games starting October 3, highlighted by an October 15 rematch against Dončić’s former Mavericks in Las Vegas.
  • If he returns, LeBron James will become the first NBA player to compete in 23 seasons, increasing the urgency to assemble championship support around him and Dončić.