With Luka Doncic officially signed to a three-year contract extension, the Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that he's their exclusive franchise player. LeBron James remains one of the best players in the NBA, but the direction of the organization is clear: Build around Doncic—and only Doncic.
It may prove to cause friction at times, but the Lakers now need James to thrive as the No. 2 star on the roster as Doncic takes clear hold of the No. 1 role.
It's a unique dynamic considering James has either been a clear-cut No. 1 or a true co-star in each of his 22 seasons.