Lakers Notes: Luka Doncic Could Leave NBA Before Retiring, LeBron James Praises Doncic, More

Key Takeaways:

• Luka Doncic hints at leaving the NBA prior to retiring
• LeBron James describes Doncic as an “elite teammate”
• The story identifies Doncic as a Los Angeles Lakers superstar
• The piece was authored by Gabe Smallson for Si
• Published on 2025-09-18 14:59:00 with limited access behind a paywall

The Potential Early Departure

Luka Doncic, widely admired for his on-court prowess, has sparked talk of leaving the NBA before hanging up his jersey. Mentioned in a recent piece published by Si, his timeline for a possible departure remains unclear, but the rumor is enough to raise questions about the future of the Los Angeles Lakers roster.

Praise from LeBron James

LeBron James, another cornerstone of the Lakers, openly applauds Doncic’s performance and value as a teammate. Though details are scarce, the article emphasizes how James’s admiration adds weight to the ongoing speculation about Doncic’s next moves.

What It Could Mean for the Lakers

If Doncic does indeed part ways with the NBA ahead of a traditional retirement, the Lakers may face significant changes. There is little public information on any official stance by team management. However, interest continues to grow as fans contemplate the Lakers’ future without one of their brightest stars.

Key Details from the Original Story

Below is a brief reference of the known facts based on Si’s coverage:

Limited content is available to the public, suggesting more information is behind a paywall. Still, this snippet underscores the buzz surrounding Doncic’s career trajectory, enhanced by James’s commendations.