Luca Doncic talks about replacing LeBron James as the future face of the Lakers

Luca Doncic was traded to the Lakers to help them win the NBA championship and also become the new face of the team. He signed a three-year, $165 million maximum salary contract on August 3.

The Slovenian star was interviewed by Complex News earlier this week, in which he shared how he was preparing to become the cornerstone of the Lakers after LeBron James retired.

"Honestly, nothing special," Doncic said. "Try my best to do my best, at the end of the day, I'm playing basketball. I want to win. That's it. This is our goal from the start of the season to the end."

The Lakers won Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, a high-risk deal, with three teams trading Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick. James understands the shift because he chose the upcoming season and did not refuse, even though he did not receive a contract extension. What's next for

Luca Doncic and LeBron James?

With his three-year $165 million contract locked, Luca Doncic becomes the new face of the Lakers' future. He is entering a new stage of his career, where he is no longer just a young star, but a leader of the Lakers. However, his playoff performance will define his legend in Los Angeles.

Although Doncic expressed respect for LeBron's mentor, he was reportedly watching closely how the Lakers treated James in this transition. Like a professional athlete, James accepted the Lakers' support for Luca. He reportedly had face-to-face conversations with Doncic after confirming that the Lakers' career was postponed.

However, this may be the last year James wore a purple gold robe. If the Lakers aren't as competitive as his agent says, or if he feels he's marginalized, the free market in 2026 will be a real turning point. Another angle is that he may retire, rejoin Cleveland, and even chase the last championship elsewhere.

The Golden State Warriors have reportedly called him several times to have him partner with Stephen Curry. However, his non-trade clause and commitment to the Lakers could make his transfer in the mid-season extremely unlikely.

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