Shockwaves were sent through the basketball world when the Los Angeles Lakers traded for star guard Luka Doncic.
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The idea that Doncic would be teaming up with LeBron James was remarkable for Lakers fans. Doncic and James shared the court for a few months, but ultimately fell short in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, it remains uncertain how much longer both superstars will don the purple and gold.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes says there is reason to believe James is destined to be traded.
“The anointment of Luka Dončic, the failure to reach an offseason extension, the refusal of the front office to go all-in for rotation help this past summer—all of it points to a LeBron James exit,” Hughes writes.
“While it’s true James has non-basketball reasons to remain based in L.A., it’s still hard to imagine him accepting status as something other than the most important figure in the franchise for a full year. Especially if the Lakers aren’t a top-flight contender.”
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The Lakers’ offseason was a success in the sense that the team landed a big in Deandre Ayton, but that move alone is not enough to guarantee an NBA title.
“Maybe if Los Angeles was loaded with star talent, James could talk himself into accepting a more supplementary role—one that still might evolve into him taking over playoff games in the spring,” Hughes added. “But the West is loaded, and the Lakers’ decision not to re-up with James suggests they don’t even view him as the second star they want next to Dončić whenever the team reaches contention.
“Some of that is understandable given James’ age, but the facts are what they are: For the first time, James isn’t his team’s most valuable asset, and his organization isn’t gunning for a title at all costs. That’s not going to sit well, and it’ll eventually lead to a trade out of town.”
The Lakers have a clear picture of their future with Doncic at the forefront. While James is not an afterthought, the 40-year-old may feel joining another team is the best move at this point in his career.
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