LeBron James Backs Luka Doncic As Lakers Franchise Player

LeBron James made a clear shift in role, naming Luka Dončić the Lakers’ "27-year-old franchise" and saying "Luka don't need to bend his game" after a 111-103 win over New Orleans. The two stars combined for 30-point nights, Dončić added 10 assists, and the veteran LeBron filled the stat sheet, showing the team is already finding chemistry with Dončić as the focal point while LeBron adapts. Merlin sees an aging king choosing mentorship over monopoly. At 41, LeBron bending his game gives the Lakers a rare blend of elite scoring, playmaking, and veteran clutch play. With Deandre Ayton’s support and late-game sharpshooting from Dončić, Los Angeles looks more balanced and dangerous than critics expected.