After a quiet summer, LeBron James spoke to the press at nearly 41 years old with a $52.6 million contract set to expire at the end of the season. During Monday’s media session, he made it clear that his future will not depend on Luka Doncic.

He explained that the length of his career has nothing to do with Doncic. His motivation is to prepare his body to play alongside him every night, but ultimately the decision will be made by him together with his wife and daughter.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have shifted their project toward Doncic. In recent months, the Slovenian star met privately with president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, as well as head coach JJ Redick, without LeBron being present.

Doncic also played a key role in recruiting Deandre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick, and Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year. That momentum culminated in Doncic signing a three-year, $165 million extension, which was celebrated with a trip to Las Vegas—an event James did not attend.

For the first time since arriving in Los Angeles, LeBron is neither the centerpiece of the organization nor holding a player option. He will become an unrestricted free agent when the season ends.

Despite being left out of key decisions, he told reporters he is excited about the roster assembled after his agent had pushed the front office earlier in the offseason. He said he’s eager to get to work and see what the team can achieve.

The message from James was clear: while he acknowledges Doncic’s importance as the new leader of the franchise, his choice to continue playing or retire will remain a strictly personal and family matter. His immediate future is still wide open and depends only on him.