LeBron James is no longer the Los Angeles Lakers' priority for the first time since signing with the team in 2018. That changed when Nico Harrison agreed to send Luka Doncic to Hollywood. The Lakers' offseason moves further signal that they're not scrambling to do what makes LeBron happy. Their focus is on future financial flexibility.
Guess who isn't worried about the future? LeBron. He turned 40 in December and will start his 23rd NBA season in a few months. His focus isn't on setting LA up for future success, but instead, he wants to make a run for a title.
The Lakers' roster doesn't scream 'NBA Finals-bound,' even with Luka and LeBron. They lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Rockets in free agency, re-signed Jaxson Hayes, and added Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart. Those can't be the moves LeBron wanted to see LA make as he nears the end of his career.
None of this is to say that LeBron isn't important to the Lakers, but there's a reason they didn't offer him an extension (per ESPN). He picked up his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, but his agent, Rich Paul, released a statement to ESPN, reiterating LeBron's desire to win a championship. Paul said that his client "values a realistic chance of winning it all."
Lakers' offseason moves aren't what LeBron was hoping for
LeBron can't merely ask for a trade and expect to hand-pick his destination. He was dropping hints that he might be open to returning to Cleveland, but the Cavaliers would have to gut their depth to acquire him. That isn't happening.
On July 16, The Athletic reported that LeBron and Paul haven't discussed trade scenarios (subscription required) or a buyout with LA. The Lakers expect him to be with the team for training camp.
Does that mean LeBron is happy about the Lakers' current situation? No. He loves Los Angeles, though, and his son, Bronny, is also on the team. LeBron's salary is too high for next season to make requesting a trade an easy thing to do.
LeBron is the ultimate competitor, so it's not like he's going to purposefully play bad. That isn't who he is -- not at all. He's LeBron James! But LeBron James likes to win, and he knows that time is ticking. He doesn't want to take a moment for granted.
Even though all seems to be calm (for now) on the LeBron front, don't be surprised if things turn into a larger issue during the season. In fact, that should be expected.