Insider Seemingly Reaffirms Claim on LeBron James Disliking Luka Doncic's Game 

NBA insider John Gambadoro seemingly reaffirmed his report about LeBron James disliking playing with Luka Doncic. He initially made that claim in July when James opted into his $52.6 million contract to return to the Lakers on an expiring deal.

At the time, James' agent Rich Paul suggested that his client would consider his options as the Lakers pivoted to a new timeline with Doncic. Reacting to the rumors, Gambadoro reported:

"LeBron does not like playing with Luka, Reaves does not like playing with Luka. Reaves does not like getting the ball with two seconds left on the shot clock ... The Lakers are going to turn their attention to build around Luka. Not LeBron, so this is Luka's team now."

On Tuesday, Gambadoro retweeted a post that aggregated former NBA star Deron Williams' speculation on James and Doncic's dynamic.

During an appearance on "To The Baha" podcast, Williams said:

"He [LeBron] don't really f**k with Luka. Like, not shaking hands. ... Didn't help him up when he fell, it's little s**t like that."

Gambadoro dropped a three-word reaction, seemingly referencing his report from July.

"you don't say," the insider wrote on X.

John Gambadoro

@Gambo987

You don't say 🤔🤔🤔

Gambadoro has been criticized for this report by Lakers fans, who believe James and Doncic share an excellent relationship.

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LeBron James has no issues with Luka Doncic dominating the ball

LeBron James downplayed concerns of playing off the ball to support Luka Doncic's strengths. After Monday's 125-108 loss, James was asked about potentially taking over from Doncic when the offense stagnates, to which he replied, saying:

"You go with what's been working. We have opportunities to change pitchers and switch pitchers. But we go with what's working, obviously. We didn't play our brand of basketball the way we wanted to play. So, it's just one game. We won't get too crazy about it."

The Lakers are 15-5 with Luka Doncic recording a 36.7% usage rate, the highest in the NBA. Austin Reaves is second on the Lakers at 27.1% and LeBron James, who has played five games, has a 21.7% usage rate.

The Lakers are 4-1 with James in the lineup, so this process is working. James has shown a willingness to defer to his co-stars without hesitation.