The present invention is an imaging element which includes a support, at least one imaging layer superposed on the support and a protective topcoat superposed farthest from the support. The topcoat includes a binder and lubricant droplets. The lubricant droplets are composed of a lubricant and a water soluble polymer containing heterocyclic aromatic nitrogen groups wherein the droplets are surrounded by a particulate stabilizer. The present invention is also directed to the lubricant droplets.