When Luka Dončić stepped to the podium Saturday to announce his massive contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, many of his teammates were there to celebrate. While the excitement of keeping the star in L.A. is palpable around the organization, there was one huge name missing from the celebration.
Why Was LeBron James Missing from Luka Dončić’s Big Moment?
The Los Angeles Lakers are constantly the talk of the NBA, and with superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić on the roster, talk surrounding the “Lake Show” continues to dominate the airwaves and social media alike.
Although the Lakers have made some key offseason moves like signing sharpshooter Jake LaRavia, adding big man DeAndre Ayton, and locking down former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, talk has surrounded Lakers’ stars James and Dončić.
After opting in to his $52.6 million deal with the Lakers, speculation began that James may be looking for a way out and did not extend his deal beyond the 2025-2026 season for that very reason.
Meanwhile, Dončić’s future with the Lakers is now completely secure. Dončić and the Lakers agreed to a three-year, $165 million extension. The move was announced with a press conference on Saturday, August 2, where his teammates gathered to show their support.
Plenty of the Lakers attended the press conference to support Dončić, but one key piece was missing.
As reported by veteran NBA analyst and reporter Rachel Nichols, James was not among the group.
Most of the Lakers roster here supporting Luka as he announces his new max contract. pic.twitter.com/Ihdqa4p9HB
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) August 2, 2025
Nichols pointed out that “most” of the Lakers’ roster was there to show their support for the soon-to-be face of the franchise and did not specifically call out James by name. Of course, all this has done is add fuel to the fire that James and the Lakers are destined for a breakup.
What Are Lakers Fans Saying About LeBron James’ Absence?
Fans have taken to social media to say what they really think about James after he missed Dončić’s presser.
“LeBron is jealous,” one fan said.
LeBron is jealous.
— THE PREMIUM (@GamblersDream) August 2, 2025
“LeBron out here posting Clippers logos and avoiding celebrating Luka like it’s Kobe’s memorial,” another agreed. “LeBron is easily the most hatable Laker of all time. Take down that ist rag while we’re at it.”
Lebron out here posting Clippers logos and avoiding celebrating Luka like it’s Kobe’s memorial.
Lebron is easily the most hatable Laker of all time.
Take down that ist rag while we’re at it
— TerribleTakes (@TerribleTa43562) August 2, 2025
One fan believes this signals a major shift for the Lakers. “Hilarious how it felt like the Lakers might end up in franchise player purgatory after LeBron’s career with AD getting older and now they’ve just got Luka Doncic”
Hilarious how it felt like the Lakers might end up in franchise player purgatory after LeBron’s career with AD getting older and now they’ve just got Luka Doncic https://t.co/Iwd5U3ITVN
— 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒆 (@Three_Cone) August 2, 2025
Others believe James has lost control of the team, and Dončić and head coach J.J. Redick are now running the show.
“So LeBron James hired his podcaster & traded away his buddy for Luka and in a one year span JJ & Luka have taken control of the Lakers. Where Bron at?” another fan asked.
So LeBron James hired his podcaster & traded away his buddy for Luka and in a one year span JJ & Luka have taken control of the Lakers.
Where Bron at? pic.twitter.com/q7AUIf7ivP
— 80’s/90’s Plumbers Rep (@MoryMagisSprts) August 1, 2025
However, not all Lakers fans feel that way.
“Every Laker/Luka fan owes LeBron a big THANK YOU Without Bron embracing Doncic from the jump, Luka would’ve been tentative signing an extension 6 months post-trade. LeBron welcomed Luka and gave him the keys to the franchise. Generational leader ”
Every Laker/Luka fan owes LeBron a big THANK YOU
Without Bron embracing Doncic from the jump, Luka would’ve been tentative signing an extension 6 months post-trade.
LeBron welcomed Luka and gave him the keys to the franchise. Generational leader pic.twitter.com/baLgJ7tGqL
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) August 2, 2025
More than likely, we’re all reading a little bit too much into this, as is often the case with the NBA’s premier players, particularly with James.
RELATED: NBA Insider Reveals Luka Dončić’s New Role With the Lakers, Fueling Rumors That LA Is Phasing Out LeBron James
However, with the rumors we’ve heard this offseason, it’s at least worth paying attention to what happens next in Los Angeles.
