Luka Doncic has officially decided to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for the long haul. He just signed a three-year contract extension worth up to $165M that will keep him tied to the organization through the 2027-28 season. It also includes a player option for the 2028-29 season. This was an expected move. However, the fact that LeBron James wasn’t in attendance at the news conference raised some eyebrows, given all the rumors surrounding his future with the organization. Even so, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the four-time NBA champion did reach out to congratulate Doncic, so people shouldn’t read too much into his absence. “LeBron and son Bronny James were noticeably not in attendance at the news conference, but I’m told that LeBron FaceTimed Doncic on Saturday morning to congratulate him on the new deal,” wrote Stein. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka also addressed James’ next steps. As reported by Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers still want James to be a part of the organization, but they won’t rush
