After signing a three-year $165 million contract extension in August, Luka Doncic has solidified himself as the new face of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. The 26-year-old Slovenian will be a Laker at least until the 2027-28 season, with a player option for the 2028-29 campaign.
As such, BIG 3 Founder Ice Cube says he must take total control of the team’s destiny and bring the franchise back to glory. However, to do that, the “Straight Outta Compton” rapper says the Lakers need to give him a co-star.
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“He’s going to need help,” said Cube in an interview with Basketball Network. “He’s not the only piece we need. We need somebody who comes in, just as good, and they push each other, like Kobe and Shaq pushed each other. They pushed each other. Magic and Kareem pushed each other. So you need somebody to put some gas. Luka seems a nice guy. We need a bad guy.”
LeBron needs to support Luka
The Lakers have an equally big star right now in LeBron James, who is coming off a season in which he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, earning a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. However, not only is James turning 41 this December, but he is also currently injured and does not have a contract beyond the 2025-26 season.
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Ice Cube does not know if James will be a Laker past this season — he says it depends on how many games he can play and whether he is still having fun with what he’s doing.
That said, the iconic rapper feels LeBron needs to make an impact on everyone, especially Doncic, regardless of his availability.
“Luka has to look at it as it’s his team to mold into the shape he feels comfortable with, so that he can go win a championship. And LeBron has to help that, in any way, shape, or form,” added Ice Cube.
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Something isn’t right with the Lakers
Although James is present with the team and is at the bench during games, many have noticed that he has hardly shown any emotions and does not react to what is happening on the court. That’s a contrast from the LeBron of the past, who cheered his teammates on and sometimes even got involved in huddles.
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As a result, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor thinks there could be trouble in paradise.
“LeBron was not reacting to anything. He looked like he was staring into space, like he didn’t want to be there. Like he’s in a waiting room at the doctor’s office, just waiting to be called,”said O’Connor on his podcast. “To me, it’s just strange with this Sciatica issue, some of the rumblings out there, and then this behavior in game one of the season. Very odd… something’s up.”
Some say James may be mad at the Lakers for not offering him a contract extension and for not trading him after he was not given a new deal. That’s just speculation, though. However, it’s a reality that while he’s still in Los Angeles, the Lakers won’t be able to acquire that co-star because James is consuming a huge chunk of the salary cap.
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This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.