LeBron James was conspicuous by his absence at Saturday's press conference to announce Luka Doncic's contract extension with the Lakers.

Being a Laker is an honor and I wanted to be here,’ the Slovenian star says nearly six months after arriving in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

Six months ago, Luka Doncic walked into the Los Angeles Lakers practice facility frazzled. The shock from being unexpectedly traded by the Dallas Mavericks was written all over his face. The anguish of the so-called betrayal colored his every word.