LeBron James congratulated Luka Doncic on new deal – Report

Los Angeles Lakers veteran congratulated Luka Doncic on a new deal, sources told ESPN. The Slovenian signed a three-year $165 million contract extension on Saturday.

After Doncic confirmed the new deal with the Lakers, James was the first player to video call and congratulate him.

James has been supporting Doncic after he signed a shocking contract with the Lakers in February.

“Luka has been my favorite player in the NBA for a while now,” James said on Feb. 4 after his longtime teammate, Anthony Davis, was traded to Dallas Mavericks in place of Doncic.

James had earlier said he would love Doncic to play for the Lakers for a long time, as the LA people have embraced him with open arms.

“I hope, obviously, [he stays long term],” James told ESPN on April 30. “Laker fans f—ing love him here. L.A. has accepted him. We love him as a teammate, as a brother. But ultimately, he’s got to make a decision for him. S—, I ain’t going to be around much longer.”

Meanwhile, James opted into the final year of his contract worth $52.6 million in June. James’ agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said the veteran wants to compete for a championship and he is keeping a close watch on the Lakers’ move in the off-season.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Paul told ESPN on June 29. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”