Latest news with #DallasHoopsJournal
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luka Doncic Makes It Clear, Wants LeBron James To Retire In Los Angeles
Luka Doncic Makes It Clear, Wants LeBron James To Retire In Los Angeles originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Luka Doncic isn't here for the trade noise. As rumors continue to swirl around LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers, one thing has become increasingly clear, Doncic doesn't want to see LeBron play for any other franchise. According to a report from Dallas Hoops Journal, Doncic is not just supportive of LeBron staying put; he wants the NBA's all-time leading scorer to end his career in purple and gold. Despite growing tensions around LeBron's timeline and the franchise's shift toward building around Doncic, the Slovenian superstar has made his stance known behind closed doors. Following LeBron's decision to opt into the final year of his deal, Rich Paul's cryptic comments started the storm, and an ESPN report about LeBron feeling 'disrespected' by how the Lakers pivoted to Doncic sparked a wildfire. Yet neither LeBron's camp nor the Lakers front office has made any formal push toward a trade or buyout. Meanwhile, Doncic is doing everything to extinguish the noise. Doncic idolized LeBron growing up. Their bond last season grew stronger with each passing game, and Luka continues to regard LeBron as the best possible partner he could have on the floor, even at age 40. The respect runs deep, and Doncic knows how rare it is to share the court with a legend who can still dominate. In the 23 games they played together last season, the Lakers went 15–8. Doncic averaged 27.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in that stretch, while LeBron was right behind with 23.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. The duo clicked. Even though the Lakers exited the playoffs early, falling to the Timberwolves in five games, Doncic isn't questioning the partnership. In fact, he's doubling down. Sources close to the team indicate that Luka is not just tolerating LeBron's presence; he's actively recruiting around him. Following the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith to Houston, Doncic worked behind the scenes to bring in Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton. He's embraced the role of franchise leader, undergone a massive offseason physical transformation to silence conditioning critics, and is widely expected to sign a long-term extension in the coming week. What's more, LeBron seems equally invested. Despite the speculation about his future, he hasn't made a single public move suggesting a departure. His awareness, long regarded as one of his best traits, is guiding him here. He knows he's unlikely to find a better co-star than Doncic without jumping through buyout hoops. Even if the Lakers decide to move off LeBron's salary next summer, Luka's presence would give them no choice but to keep the door open for an extension or fresh deal. If Doncic wants LeBron there, LeBron stays. LeBron is still playing at an All-NBA level, earning Second Team honors and finishing sixth in MVP voting last season. He's not being carried; he's still leading. Doncic knows this better than anyone, and he's committed to ensuring LeBron finishes his journey with dignity, in Los Angeles. The message is simple: this is not a rivalry, it's a partnership. Luka Doncic wants LeBron James to retire as a Laker, and as long as he's leading the franchise, that wish might just come story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Source: ‘LeBron James Will Never Play For The Clippers' Despite Viral Workout Clip
Source: 'LeBron James Will Never Play For The Clippers' Despite Viral Workout Clip originally appeared on Fadeaway World. LeBron James has always drawn headlines, but his most recent workout location had fans spiraling into full-blown conspiracy mode. When the Lakers star was spotted training at the former Clippers facility in Playa Vista, whispers of a potential cross-town move started gaining steam, especially amid growing rumors of friction between James and the Lakers' front office. But according to a new report from Dallas Hoops Journal, the truth isn't nearly as dramatic because James has long made it clear he'll never play for L.A.'s secondary basketball team. 'LeBron was working out at a Klutch Sports Group office,' an NBA source told Dallas Hoops Journal. 'Klutch uses the Clippers' old facility in Playa Vista. This is a non-story. People need to stop reading into everything LeBron does. Plus, LeBron will never play for the Clippers. He has said that many times to people in his circle.' As LeBron James enters the final year of his contract, speculation has hit an all-time high. So when the fans saw him working out at a Clippers facility, they naturally assumed it was a hint at his next NBA destination. In reality, it was just a routine workout and photoshoot at a Klutch facility (which used to be a Clippers practice gym). LeBron James is very particular about where he plays, and he won't just suit up for any team. In 2018, he signed with the Lakers to both enhance his legacy and expand his empire to the world of business and media. As one of the NBA's most famous teams and one of its most popular, the Lakers have a certain level of appeal that has kept LeBron loyal for the past seven years. As he's enjoyed the Los Angeles lifestyle, the Lakers have done their part to ensure they remain competitive with him on the roster. While Luka Doncic's arrival has complicated things, the Clippers would never be an option for LeBron at this stage of his career, despite their best efforts to insert themselves in trade rumors. Despite being a contender, with LeBron's former coach, Tyronn Lue, running the show, the Clippers have a reputation for coming up short in the most essential moments. To date, the franchise has never made a Finals appearance, and even with a stacked roster of stars and veterans, they've only made it past the second round once (in 2021) in the Kawhi Leonard era. Besides a lack of success, the Clippers are dragged down by living in the Lakers' shadow. While the Clippers were 12th in fan attendance last season, they're not afforded the same degree of respect or coverage as their intercity rivals. For now, LeBron remains fully committed to the purple and gold. While his long-term future is still uncertain, one thing appears set in stone—he won't be swapping jerseys for the Clippers anytime soon. This latest rumor may have captured social media's attention, but in reality, it's just another chapter in the ongoing saga of LeBron James: global icon, elite athlete, and the NBA's most over-analyzed story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
