NBA analyst drops bombshell comments on LeBron James and Luka Doncic chemistry: 'This is Luka's team now'
In a dramatic turn of events in Los Angeles, an NBA analyst, John Gambadoro, has stirred the pot by claiming
LeBron James
is no longer the centerpiece of the Lakers. The statement comes just days after LeBron opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season.
While fans expected this to signal yet another championship push with the purple and gold, whispers around the league suggest a power shift is underway, with Luka Doncic emerging as the new alpha in town.
The analyst further teased that James does not like playing with Doncic.
Los Angeles Lakers
face power shift as NBA analyst questions LeBron James– Luka Doncic chemistry
The moment the Los Angeles Lakers landed Luka Doncic, the direction of the franchise started to shift. And now, with LeBron entering his 23rd NBA season, that shift is becoming harder to ignore.
On 'The Burns and Gambo Show,' analyst John Gambadoro claimed, 'LeBron does not like playing with Luka. Reeves does not like playing with Luka. Reeves does not like getting the ball with two seconds left on the shot clock. LeBron is not fond of playing with Luka. The Lakers are going to turn their attention to building around Luka, not LeBron.'
Gambadoro's claim adds weight to what has been building over time. Despite James averaging an impressive 24.4 points and 8.2 assists at age 40 last season, the organization seems less committed to a long-term future with him.
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ESPN's Ramona Shelburne echoed that, noting the Lakers didn't even sit down with James this summer to discuss an extension. 'That means that it's not in his control with the Los Angeles Lakers.
That was a statement, even though they didn't make a statement,' she said on air.
That growing uncertainty hasn't gone unnoticed. Brian Windhorst highlighted the gravity of the situation: 'For the first time in 23 years, he's not the franchise player.'
The tone is clear as the Lakers are laying the groundwork for a Luka-centric team, not one centered around James.
About on-court chemistry, that remains a work in progress. Luka himself recently told the Mind the Game podcast, 'He's been playing unbelievable, and I think it's still a work in progress. You know, I think we're getting better and better every day.' LeBron, too, praised the duo's growth publicly. Yet the eye test and recent reports suggest the transition may not be seamless.
Also Read:
LeBron James once made Jayson Tatum cry, and it was not on court
Of course, the Lakers are looking for a long-term future, and considering LeBron's age, he is far from leading the franchise despite already acquiring the legendary status and playing at an elite level.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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