It took 22 seasons, but LeBron James is finally looking human. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has been better than a vast majority of NBA players in 2024-25, but by his lofty standards, he's struggled to achieve the level of consistency his fans have become accustomed to witnessing.
Some have concluded that it's time for the Lakers to begin the search for his superstar replacement, but the front office hasn't yet arrived at that destination.
James has been exceptional from a statistical perspective, averaging 22.8 points, 9.1 assists, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.1 three-point field goals made per game. As he nears 40, battles a lingering injury, and struggles on defense, however, there's an understandable feeling among Lakers fans that it may be time to find a superstar who can team with Anthony Davis beyond the 2024-25 season.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, James' struggles have done nothing to convince the Lakers that it's time to blow up the roster or trade one of their two superstars
"Despite the recent groundswell from certain media and fans to blow up the roster, the Lakers are not currently considering trading either superstar, according to team and league sources."
This is likely to be a divisive report among Lakers fans, but the hunt for a superstar who can help the organization thrive beyond the James era has yet to commence.
Lakers unwilling to trade Anthony Davis or LeBron James in 2024-25
Davis, 31, is currently in the midst of a season that should see him earn All-NBA honors for a sixth time. He's averaging 27.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.5 offensive boards, 3.3 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.2 steals on 53.4 percent shooting from the field.
It's been a brilliant display from the Lakers' franchise player, with his efforts helping the team remain two games clear of .500.
There's some level of concern that Davis could request a trade if the organization fails to adequately complement his talents. Rather than giving in to the fear that he could leave, however, Los Angeles has instead shifted its focus to building around is franchise player.
That includes the persistent rumor that the Lakers are finally looking to honor Davis' request for help at center by acquiring Washington Wizards big man Jonas Valanciunas.
As for James, there's a case to be made that the Lakers would benefit from moving on and prioritizing a younger co-star to pair with Davis. The four-time MVP will turn 40 before the end of 2024 and has shown clear signs of regression this season.
That includes the alarming fact that the Lakers are allowing a team-worst 117.5 points per 100 possessions when James is on the court and a team-best 106.2 when he isn't.
In saying that, trading James would create a seismic shift in the identity of the Lakers both on and off the court. It's a choice that could alienate the locker room, as well as other stars around the NBA, if it isn't a mutual decision to part ways.
As such, it should surprise no one that the Lakers are invested in their superstar duo and instead prioritizing the acquisition of ideal complementary pieces.