Paul Fu told Doncic s agent that the statement does not represent James s thoughts on working with Doncic

Today, ESPN reporters Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst wrote an article about the relationship between James and the Lakers. Excerpts are as follows:

Before making a statement, Ricci Paul informed Doncic and the Lakers in advance. According to sources, Paul contacted Siegel (Doncic agent) who had a friendship with him and hoped to extend an olive branch. He wanted to make it clear that James had always appreciated Doncic's admiration for him and knew that Doncic understood the business operations of the league. This does not reflect how James feels about their experience playing together. Paul also said that if James takes any further action in the future, he will also communicate.

James understands the Lakers seize the opportunity to turn to younger superstars. But from James' perspective, the transition sometimes loses some subtlety, according to sources. Doncic never asked to be a member of the Lakers. When James chose to join the Lakers in 2018, the team had failed to make the playoffs for five consecutive seasons, the worst period since the Lakers moved from Minneapolis. Two years later, James helped the team win the 17th championship.

Paul also formally notified the Lakers that James intends to execute the last year of the contract because the Lakers did not have substantial discussions on the early renewal of a one-to-two-year contract with James, and they had done this twice before during James' previous time with the Lakers. He then let the team know about the upcoming statement.

The Lakers have made a statement by not offering James more than this season's contract. It's clear that the 21-time All-Star player's era as Lakers' facade has a planned end date for the first time, even if James' record-breaking NBA career isn't over yet.