Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss: Team Now Built Around Luka Doncic

LeBron James' future with the Lakers remains uncertain as the team shifts focus to the young superstar

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a recent interview, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss made it clear that the team's future plans are centered around building a team around star player Luka Doncic, regardless of what LeBron James decides to do. Buss acknowledged that James has not given any indication about his future plans with the Lakers, but said the team is committed to making Doncic the centerpiece of their roster moving forward.

Why it matters

This marks a significant shift in the Lakers' strategy, as the team had previously built around LeBron James since his arrival in 2018. With James now in the final year of his contract and Doncic emerging as a young superstar, the Lakers are pivoting to make the 24-year-old Doncic the focal point of their plans for the future.

The details

Buss told CNBC that the Lakers "couldn't be more proud" that Doncic is on their team, and that the organization is committed to "building towards a team around Dončić." This comes as James has remained non-committal about his future plans, with Buss saying the team would welcome him back but that he has "earned the right to decide how his career will go."

  • LeBron James is on the final year of his contract with the Lakers.

The players

Jeanie Buss

The owner and governor of the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James

A star forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who is in the final year of his contract with the team.

Luka Doncic

A young superstar player who was acquired by the Lakers prior to the trade deadline last season and is now the centerpiece of the team's future plans.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The partnership will give us the stability to continue to move forward as we build towards a team around Dončić. We couldn't be more proud that he is a Laker. He is a young all-star that the fans love to see.”

— Jeanie Buss, Lakers Owner (CNBC)

“Never say never, but you know, he certainly hasn't given an indication. He's earned the right to decide how his career will go, and you know, he continues to impress.”

— Jeanie Buss, Lakers Owner (CNBC)

What’s next

It will be interesting to see how the Lakers' plan to build around Luka Doncic impacts LeBron James' decision-making process after the season.

The takeaway

The Lakers are officially shifting their focus to the future, with 24-year-old Luka Doncic now the centerpiece of their plans. This marks a significant transition away from the LeBron James era, as the team looks to build a perennial contender around their young superstar.