Ahead of the start of the 2025-26 NBA season next month, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James heaped praise on teammate Luka Dončić.
In an interview with Jason Gay of the Wall Street Journal, James commended Dončić as a player and a person, saying, “I JUST LOVE the way he approaches the game. I love the way he plays the game. More importantly, man, he’s just a great f–king guy.”
LeBron went on to suggest that Dončić’s basketball IQ is what sets him apart from other talented players, saying, “Big-time savant of the game. I always use IQ as a measuring point in basketball—guys who can think the game. There are so many guys in our league who can play the game, but to be able to think the game as well puts you at another level.”
The Lakers pulled off one of the most shocking trades in recent memory last season when they sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a future first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka.
Given that Dončić was just 25 years old at the time and coming off leading the Mavs to the NBA Finals the previous season, few could have ever predicted that Dallas would be willing to move him.
The Lakers managed to pry the five-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection away from the Mavericks, though, pairing him with arguably the greatest player of all time in LeBron.
That combo did some good things last season, helping the Lakers post a 50-32 record, which was good for the No. 3 seed in the competitive Western Conference.
Things fell apart during the playoffs, though, as they were eliminated in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
A lack of a legitimate interior presence was the Lakers’ undoing in the series, so general manager Rob Pelinka signed center Deandre Ayton this offseason, while also adding depth elsewhere with the additions of forward Jake LaRavia and guard Marcus Smart.
The Lakers are also returning a core of James, Dončić and Austin Reaves, seemingly making them legitimate contenders to do some damage in the West.
Given that the Lakers signed Dončić to a three-year, $160.8 million contract extension in August, all signs point toward him being the face of the franchise for years to come.
He shares that distinction with James right now, but with LeBron set to turn 41 in December and nearing the end of his legendary career, this coming season could represent the last chance for him and Luka to join forces and bring a championship to L.A.
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