Rich Paul Briefed Lakers, Luka Doncic Before LeBron’s Contract Call Sparked Speculation
LeBron James’ latest contract move has done more than confirm his short-term future — it’s ignited a storm of debate about what lies ahead for the NBA icon. But behind the scenes, Rich Paul, his long-time agent and trusted voice, had already set the table with some key figures.
The moment James exercised his player option for the 2025–26 season, whispers of a possible exit from the Lakers began to swirl. But that choice didn’t come in a vacuum. According to reports, Paul made sure both the Lakers front office and Luka Doncic’s camp were kept in the loop before the public found out.
“Before Paul released the statement, he gave a heads-up to Doncic and the Lakers,” noted ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst.
Sources say Paul directly contacted Lara Beth Seager, Doncic’s long-time manager. His goal wasn’t negotiation—it was diplomacy.
“Paul called [Lara Beth] Seager (Doncic’s longtime manager), with whom he has a relationship, and wanted to extend an olive branch, sources said. He wanted to make it clear James has always appreciated Doncic’s admiration for him and knows that Doncic understands the business of the league.
That this wasn’t a reflection on how James felt about their experience playing together. And Paul suggested that if James eventually made any further moves, he would communicate them.”
This delicate outreach sheds light on the complicated dynamics now brewing within the Lakers’ organisation. With Doncic now the franchise’s rising focal point, James finds himself in unfamiliar territory — playing second fiddle for the first time in his career.
Back in February, when the Lakers made the high-stakes trade to acquire Doncic, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. James had once walked into a broken Lakers squad in 2018 and led them to a title just two years later.
Fast forward to 2025, and the focus has shifted to youth, long-term vision, and retooling the roster around a different superstar.
“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,” Paul told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him.”
Those words read carefully — like a man subtly preparing the world for the next move. And perhaps, a farewell.
According to ESPN’s insiders, the Lakers didn’t put forward any real offer to extend James’ deal past next season — a noticeable change from previous years when discussions were more proactive. This time, the silence was deafening.
“Paul also had to formally inform the Lakers that James intended to pick up the final year of his contract after the team did not engage in any substantial discussions about extending him by a year or two, sources said, as they had twice previously during James’ Lakers’ tenure.
It was then that he let the organization know about the coming statement.”
For LeBron, loyalty to L.A. has never been in question. He signed on when the team was in a rebuild. He gave them another banner. But now, the winds of change are unmistakable.
“James understood the Lakers taking advantage of an opportunity to pivot to the younger superstar. But from James’ perspective, sources said, nuance was sometimes lost during the transition. Doncic had never asked to be a Laker.
James, for his part, had chosen L.A., coming in 2018 when the team had missed the playoffs five consecutive seasons, the worst run for the franchise since it moved from Minneapolis. Two years later, James had helped deliver a 17th championship.”
Is James prepared to move on? Maybe. Maybe not. For now, he’s in purple and gold — at least on paper. But the tone has changed. And with Rich Paul playing the long game, it’s clear this chapter isn’t closed.
