Danny Green, a three-time NBA champion and former teammate of LeBron James, doesn’t believe James will win another championship—at least not alongside Luka Doncic on the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers made headlines in February when they acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. Despite the star-studded duo of James and Doncic, Los Angeles, the third seed in the Western Conference, was eliminated in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games.
Green, who won a title with James during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run, acknowledges the offensive firepower of the James-Doncic pairing. However, he questions the team’s overall defensive capabilities, stating that it’s not enough to make them legitimate title contenders.
At 40 years old, LeBron James is currently the oldest active player in the NBA. If he returns for the 2025-26 season, it will mark his 23rd year in the league. James turns 41 in December.
Despite his age, James had an impressive season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks. He earned All-NBA Second Team honors. In the playoff series against the Timberwolves, he upped his production to 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game before suffering a Grade 2 MCL sprain in Game 5.
The Lakers are expected to be active in the offseason. General Manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly aiming to add a center to strengthen the roster. Whether that move materializes remains uncertain.
James holds a $52.6 million player option for next season, which he is widely expected to exercise.
