LeBron James Urged to Make 'Substantial Sacrifice' for Lakers Next Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Many fans and pundits predicted the Los Angeles Lakers would compete for the championship this year after the Luka Doncic trade.

The Los Angeles Lakers get to build their team around two of the greatest offensive masterminds in league history with Luka Doncic and LeBron James at the helm. At age 26, Doncic is the future of the franchise, while James has made it clear that, at 40, it’s on him to adjust his game to his new co-star.

The love that Luka Doncic felt in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform could be short lived, according to longtime Lakers superstar Shaquille O'Neal. Shaq said the pressure is on Doncic and teammate LeBron James to deliver playoff success in 2025-26.