ESPN's Brian Windhorst hints at Lakers extending $3M former first-rounder, Luka Doncic's lob partner

The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for the second half of the regular season to get underway following the All-Star break. Coming into the season, there was plenty of excitement, but for LeBron James, the priority is simple: finishing his career on a contending team.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship," James’ agent Rich Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

For Luka Dončić, the focus is on winning as soon as possible, and he wants the Lakers to build around him. Having reached the NBA Finals just a couple of years ago, Dončić is eager to return to that stage.

“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.

For the Lakers, it’s about finding the right pieces. Dončić thrives with a lob threat, and Jaxson Hayes is likely to be re-signed following this season.

“Jaxson Hayes completed the paperwork to become a Slovenian. He can join the Slovenian national team for Luka, which I’d like to say is one of the smartest things Jaxson Hayes has ever done because I think he’s just secretly signed a contract extension,” Brian Windhorst said.

When Hayes and Dončić share the court, their chemistry stands out compared to the Lakers’ other big-man pairings. It’s clear the two have developed a strong connection both on and off the floor.

Keeping Dončić comfortable with players like Hayes is exactly what the Lakers need to succeed. As long as that connection continues to grow, it strengthens Dončić’s commitment to a long-term future in Los Angeles.