LeBron-Doncic: Draymond Green’s truth
The partnership between LeBron James and Luka Doncic never reached its full potential. Draymond Green tries to explain why
The 2025-26 season marked the end of the short-lived partnership between LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the Lakers. LeBron’s departure from Los Angeles and subsequent move to the Philadelphia 76ers officially closed that chapter. However, according to Draymond Green, playing alongside Luka prevented James from showing the best version of himself.
LeBron and Luka are both players who want the ball, and LeBron had to learn how to play off the ball. Ultimately, I don’t think that allowed us to see the best version of LeBron James. So I understand what he means when he says the pieces on the roster now fit together better
Draymond Green
Discussing JJ Redick’s comments about the Lakers’ revamped roster on The Draymond Green Show, the four-time NBA champion further explained his perspective:
They’ve built a team that’s going to rely heavily on players filling specific roles, with Luka handling the ball, and that’s worked really well for Luka on the teams he’s played for
Draymond Green
In Los Angeles, LeBron had to accept a reduced role in handling the game, allowing Doncic to handle the ball more often while also sharing offensive responsibilities with Austin Reaves. According to Green, that dynamic prevented the Lakers from fully maximizing James’ strengths.
The upcoming season will therefore provide two intriguing answers: how much Philadelphia’s new environment can help LeBron thrive again and, on the other side, how the Lakers will evolve with Doncic firmly established as the centerpiece of the franchise.