Image Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Does Luka Doncic Have a Say in LeBron James’ NBA Future? Lakers’ Icon Drops One-Word Response

LeBron James gears up for his 23rd NBA season!!!!

Image Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James revealed whether Luka Doncic or any other player in the team would have any impact on his decision regarding future in the NBA. The four-time NBA champion appeared on the team’s Media Day on Monday, where he broke his silence on his future plans after being quite for the entire offseason. Heading into his 23rd season in the league, James said that Doncic, the newest Lakers’ superstar , won’t influence his decision on continuing beyond the upcoming season.

“As far as how long I go in my career? Nah. Zero,” James told reporters. He added that playing alongside the 26-year-old star surely adds to his motivation to stay fit and train his body for. However, it won’t affect his decision of whether continuing ahead or calling it a career after the 2025-26 season.

“The motivation to be able to play alongside [Dončić] every night, that’s super motivating. That’s what I’m gonna train my body for. Every night that I go out there and try to be the best player I can for him, and we’re gonna bounce that off one another.”

“But as far as me weighing in on him and some other teammates on how far I go in my career. Nah, it would be, literally my decision, along with my wife and two of my boys are already gone… It’ll be a decision between me, my wife, and my daughter. There won’t even be a meeting with my teammates,” LeBron James added.

Notably, Luka Doncic, who joined the 17-time championship winning team following a blockbuster trade last season, has been emerging as the franchise’s cornerstone. In fact, a private meeting involving him, business manager Lara Beth Seager, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick without James went viral after the team suffered first-round exit in the playoffs.

Howeer, it seems that James won’t be involving anyone in his decision of drawing curtains on his career.

LeBron James Reveals What Keeps Him Going in the NBA

The 21-time NBA MVP also talked about the factor that keeps him going in the NBA during Monday’s Media Day. Talking about his retirement plans, the 40-year-old revealed that the end is near just don’t know when. “I don’t know when the end is, but I know it’s a lot sooner than later”, commented James. “I’m just excited about the journey and whatever this year has in store for me.”

LeBron James on retirement 😳

“I don’t know when the end is, but I know it’s a lot sooner than later” pic.twitter.com/87SwyvYoQC
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 29, 2025

He also said that he remains “super invested” in striving for another championship alongside Luka Doncic. Talking about what keeps him going, James said that it is the passion for the sport that prepares him to embark on yet another season. “The thing that’s still pushing me is the fact that the love of the game is still high, and the love of the process is even higher,” said James. “That’s what continues to push me to play this game. It’s really that simple.”

James was also asked if reports should expect to see him at the next year’s Media Day, to which he laughingly replied, “Maybe.”

Despite being the oldest active player in the NBA, James has continued to defy expectations. He has solidified his status as one of the NBA’s elite players, continuing to impress fans with his performance. Last season, he earned sixth spot on the MVP ladder, and finished averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, while shooting 51.3% from the field.