3x NBA Champ Comes to Luka Doncic’s Defense After Explosive LeBron James Controversy

· Yahoo Sports

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic was caught up in controversy after his comments about LeBron James’ departure. On Media Day, a reporter asked Doncic his thoughts about being the Lakers’ leader now that James is with the Philadelphia 76ers. This was what the Slovenian star said:

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“Uh, it feels great,” Doncic said. “Obviously it’s a new challenge, you know. Uh, I was in this position in my career a lot of times. Uh, so it’s not new to me. Uh, but I feel great. I feel excited and I’m, like I said, I’m ready to go. It’s been a long time since I played basketball, so I’m ready. Okay, let’s be fair.”

His comments were taken out of context, and fans assumed it was a shot at his former teammate. However, three-time NBA champion Byron Scott defended Doncic on Sunday’s episode of his show, ” Byron Scott’s Fast Break.”

Mar 25, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball down court during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

“I don’t think he meant, you know, it feels great that LeBron’s gone and this is my team,” Scott said. “He did kind of, um, in that statement, say the fact that I’ve been in this position before, where it’s been his team, so to speak.”

“But I don’t think Luka meant anything by that, as far as throwing a shot at, you know, hey, I’m glad LeBron’s not here and this is my team,” he added. “I don’t, I don’t think — now I know a lot of people out there are going to take it that way, but I don’t think that’s what he meant.”

The Lakers have transitioned into a new era, with Luka Doncic as the face of the franchise. This past offseason, they have started to build around Doncic, adding Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle, Collin Sexton and more.

There Was No Rift Between Luka Doncic and LeBron James

Last season, it was rumored about a rift between Luka Doncic and LeBron James. However, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin dismissed the claim in July.

“There was no personal rift between James and Doncic, multiple team sources told ESPN,” McMenamin wrote. “While they worked through growing pains on the court as two ball-dominant players, they got along and respected one another off of it.”

McMenamin said the rift was between James and the organization. This led to the four-time champion eventually leaving during the offseason. Now, both sides are ready to move on after eight seasons of partnership.

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