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Dave McMenamin
Los Angeles-like ink was still drying three years, $ 165 million contract expansion Luca donic Signed with Los Angeles Lakers On Saturday, Donic’s phone started discussing with the player who has been the face of the franchise in the last seven sessions: Lebron James,
James congratulated Donic on the deal with a video call, the exchange -familiar sources confirmed ESPN, after the contract was signed and Donic on Saturday before attending a news conference in the Laks Practice Facility.
James was not one of the half -dozen teammates to participate in the news conference or group journey from LA from LA to Las Vegas on Saturday night, who was to join the backstreet boys concerts. But Call showed James to Donic, as Laks surprised the world of basketball by trade for a 26 -year -old superstar in February.
James said in his first public comments after his long team partner, “Luka has been my favorite player in NBA.” Anthony davisDalas was traded to acquire Doncic.
James and Donic overtook 16-7 to 16–7 in a stretch game together in a regular session.
When asked about the decision of the adjacent contract of Donic, after the loss of the first round of Lams Minnesota timbervolsJames told ESPN that he wants Donic to be pasted around – but he would not try to leave his decision.
“I hope, of course, [he stays long term]”James told ESPN on 30 April.” Lacker’s fan F — ING loves him here. La has accepted him. We love him as a team, as a brother. But finally, he got to take a decision for him. S — I am not going to live for a very long time. ,
Although James’s feelings towards the oxy have been consistent, sources told ESPN that the two players respect and reverence to each other, the views about James’s Laks are not clear.
James selected his record-setting 23rd season in the league in 2025–26, in June, in the final year of his contract of $ 52.6 million.
But when James chose, Rich Paul, his agent and CEO of Clutch Sports, issued a statement to Shams Charania of ESPN, opening the door for speculation about the final chapter of the four -time champion’s career.
“Labron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN on 29 June. “He knows that but is building for the future. He understands, but he gives importance to a realistic opportunity to win all this. We are very appreciated by the partnership that we have taken with Jani for eight years. [Buss] And Rob [Pelinka] And consider Lakes as an important part of your career.
“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We want to make the best evaluation for Lebron at this level in our life and career. He wants to make every season, and Laks has understood that she understands that she is assistant and what is the best for him.”
When asked about Paul’s statement and James’ future from Saturday, Rob Pelinka, president and general manager of basketball operation, said the team and James camp is Copsetic.
Pelinka said, “All the interactions we have done with Labron and her camp have been particularly rich, positive and helpful.” “Dialogue with” [Paul] Has been open and stable. ,
What comes ahead for James beyond the next season, Pelinka said the team would lead the 40 -year -old star.
Pelinka said, “I think the number 1 is that we are respected for the decision of there and her family for how long they are going to play.” “We want to respect his ability to come up with his timetable on him. I think it’s really important. But if he had a chance to retire a Lakar, it would be great.”
NBA reporter Mark Stein reported James’s efforts to reach Donic for the first time on Saturday.
