James calls Doncic his favorite player

Los Angeles The ink for a three-year, $165 million contract renewal signed by Luca Doncic with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday is still drying up, and Doncic's phone is buzzing, the team's spokesperson for the past seven seasons: LeBron James.

People familiar with the matter confirmed to ESPN that James congratulated Doncic on the deal via video call and said “Luca has been my favorite player in the NBA for some time,” James mentioned!

James did not attend a press conference or one of six teammates from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to attend the Sphere Backstreet Boys concert on Sunday night. However, James’ support for Doncic has continued that call since the Lakers’ trade of the 26-year-old superstar shocked the basketball world in February.

The Lakers achieved a 16-7 record in the game where James and Doncic played together in the last regular season.

When asked about Doncic's upcoming contract decision after the Lakers' first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, James told ESPN that he hopes Doncic stays — but he won't try to shake his decision.

"Obviously, I hope [he stays for a long time]," James told ESPN on April 30. "Lakes fans love him here----. Los Angeles has accepted him. We love him as teammates, as brothers. But in the end, he has to make a decision for him, I won't be there for too long"

Although James' feelings for Doncic have always been consistent, sources told ESPN that both players have respect and respect for each other, James's ideas about the Lakers are not that clear.

James also wanted to fight for his final career championship

James chose to sign a $52.6 million contract in June, setting his 23rd season in the league record for the Lakers’ 2025-26 season.

However, when James opted in, his agent and CEO of Klutch Sports Ritchie Paul made a statement to ESPN's Shams Charania, which opened the door to speculation on how the final chapter of the four-time champion's career would unfold.

"LeBron wants to compete for the championship," Paul told ESPN on June 29. “He knows that the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values the real-life opportunity to win everything. We are very grateful for our eight-year partnership with Jenny (Bass) and Rob (Pellinka) and think the Lakers are a key part of his career.

"We understand the difficulty of winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what is the best for LeBron at this stage of his life and career. He wants every season he has left, and the Lakers understand that, they support and hope to be the best for him.

Pellinka hopes James can retire with the Lakers

When asked about Paul's statement and James' future, Lakers' basketball operations president and general manager Rob Pelinka said the team and James' camp remained in cooperation.

"All our interactions with LeBron and his camp, especially Ritchie, were positive and supportive," Pelinka said. “The conversation with [Paul] has been open and ongoing.”

As for what’s next step after next season, Pelinka said the team will lead the 40-year-old star.

"I think the first thing we have to do there is respect for him and his family's decision about how long he will play," Pelinka said. "We want to respect his ability to set a schedule. I think it's really important. But it would be great if he had a chance to retire the Lakers.

NBA reporter Marc Stein first reported on Saturday on James' effort to contact Doncic for a congratulations call.