“He Doesn’t Know How to Buck”: Rich Paul Reveals Why LeBron James Let Luka Doncic Lead the Lakers

LeBron James arrived in Los Angeles as the chosen one to lead the iconic purple and gold franchise back to the top of the NBA, and he did just that. The Lakers won the 2019-20 NBA title, with LeBron earning Finals MVP honors. He truly became the King of LA. But fast forward five years, and a new prince arrived, ready to take the throne. And much to James’ agent, Rich Paul’s, surprise, LeBron willingly stepped aside.

Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers from the Mavericks in February last year, and throughout the 2025-26 season, it became clear that LeBron James had taken a back seat. Doncic was the one leading the team.

While there’s no questioning Luka’s talent on the hardwood, analysts like Max Kellerman believe the Lakers would have been better off with LeBron still leading the way. Paul recently explained why his client willingly allowed the Slovenian superstar to take center stage.

"You're not wrong," Paul said to Kellerman regarding James allowing Doncic to take over. "You're 50% right in terms of psychological. But it's for a different reason. (LeBron James) was raised right from a basketball perspective. So when the coach asks you to do something and play a certain way, he doesn't know how to buck.

"That's the only thing he knows how to do," Paul continued. "He has such a profound respect for the game and everything that it entails. Obviously, (LeBron James) isn't the third option. We know that. But if this is what (James) is being asked to do, then (James) will do that, especially if it helps the team."

True enough, to Paul’s point, the Lakers saw a new duo emerge during the 2025-26 season while LeBron was sidelined early in the campaign with sciatica. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves quickly proved to be an effective pairing for LA. In the 12 games the duo played together without James in the lineup, the Lakers went 10-2. Meanwhile, when LeBron shared the floor with the two, the team went 11-6.

Because of these statistics, James understood that it was time to let the young players shine. Doncic was in the MVP conversations last season after leading the league in scoring, averaging 33.5 points in the regular season. Meanwhile, had Reaves not been injured heading into February, he would've been on his way to his first All-Star selection.

By allowing Doncic and Reaves to do their own thing while James played a smaller role, the Lakers managed to secure the No. 4 seed in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Unfortunately for LA, both stars were sidelined by injuries in the first round against the Houston Rockets, putting LeBron back in the spotlight. He responded by averaging 23.2 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game, leading the Lakers to the Western Conference semifinals. But there, they were swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Little did anyone know it would be the last time we’d see Playoff LeBron in a Lakers uniform.

What's Next For LeBron James?

Ever since declaring that he will no longer play for the Los Angeles Lakers last week, the NBA world has been intrigued by where LeBron James intends to play next season. Earlier this summer, basketball fans were anxious about James’ career decision. Many feared the worst: that he might decide to retire.

Thankfully for fans, he’s decided to return for a 24th season. The question now is: where? According to NBA insider Shams Charania, it seems that James has narrowed his options to five teams. These include the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

"LeBron James and Rich Paul, they're continuing to sift through the leading contenders, the different options, the different teams that have been pitching," Charania reported.

"Rich Paul over the last week, since LeBron James informed the Lakers that he's going to be moving on elsewhere. That includes Golden State, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, and Minnesota.

"What we do know, though, is LeBron James wants to be in a competitive environment," Charania continued. "He wants to play meaningful basketball. I'm told, as far as the timeline, there is no timetable. LeBron James does not appear to be in a rush."

There have also been recent reports about James seriously considering joining the 76ers. It became an even more intriguing possibility when Jaylen Brown joined the roster. Forming a Big Four with Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey could prove to be the most beneficial scenario for the King, who is chasing his fifth NBA title.

James has told his agent, Rich Paul, to handle the negotiations for the time being. LeBron will continue enjoying his summer playing golf until he decides which team he wants to play for next season.