The Los Angeles Lakers recently made headlines as reports emerged that they informed rising star Luka Dončić about the sale of the team before it was made public. According to credible sources from ESPN, including reporters Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst, Dončić received a notification regarding the sale, while fellow superstar LeBron James was left in the dark.
On June 18, the Buss family, who have historically owned the Lakers, agreed to sell a majority stake in the franchise to a group led by Mark Walter, the CEO of TWG Global. The sale was valued at approximately $10 billion, marking a significant financial transaction in the realm of professional basketball. Following the announcement, Dončić took to social media to express his congratulations, indicating his awareness of the situation.
In contrast, LeBron James, a pivotal player for the Lakers, was reportedly not informed about the sale prior to its public announcement. As a result, James did not post any public acknowledgment regarding the ownership change, raising questions about his relationship with the management. This lack of communication is particularly noteworthy given James' critical role within the franchise.
At the time of the sale, the future of LeBron James with the Lakers was uncertain. He held a lucrative $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, which added to the speculation surrounding his status with the team. However, on June 29, James opted to exercise this option, solidifying his presence in Los Angeles for at least another season.
In a contrasting scenario, Luka Dončić has two seasons remaining on his current contract with the Dallas Mavericks. He also possesses a player option worth approximately $49 million for the 2026-27 season. Additionally, there is potential for Dončić to sign an extension with the Lakers, especially after the team acquired him in a blockbuster trade from the Mavericks on February 2.
The direction of the Lakers appears to be shifting as they seem poised to build their roster around the 26-year-old Luka Dončić, rather than the aging LeBron James, who is now 40. This strategic pivot has become increasingly evident following the significant trade and the recent developments regarding ownership changes.
As the Lakers navigate this transition, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how these dynamics unfold and what it means for the franchise's future in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
