The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly viewing LeBron James as an expiring contract, according to Brian Windhorst, and fans know those are often traded before the deadline to ensure the franchise gets assets for the player. Lakers fans won’t be happy, especially after LeBron just made second-team All-NBA, but the franchise is prioritizing their future.
King James is 40 years old and still making massive money. He can’t play like a superstar forever. LeBron will take part in his 23rd NBA season this fall, which would set a new all-time record. The decline is coming quickly, and the Lakers don’t want to be caught holding the bag with a prime Luka Doncic on their roster.
The two sides did not engage in talks on a new deal if the rumors are true. James opted in for the 2025-26 season and immediately applied pressure to the Lakers. The franchise let Dorian Finney-Smith walk and has not addressed their biggest issues. Clearly, they are not giving LeBron what he wants at the moment.
LeBron James could be traded off the Lakers
LA has Luka and LeBron leading their roster. It is difficult to count them out, but the Lakers have watched the Nuggets and Rockets significantly improve their rosters this offseason. After a first-round playoff exit in 2025, fans don’t exactly have hope that Jake LaRavia is their savior. The purple and gold are in a crowded Western Conference and need upgrades to be a serious title threat.
Without reaching that level, the Lakers may try to trade their 41-year-old superstar before the deadline. LeBron has a no-trade clause and would control his destination, but getting back one first-round pick and a couple of role players could help Los Angeles build out their roster around number 77.
To be clear, LeBron hasn’t requested a trade and the deal is not likely at this time. He just opted into the final year of his contract. The Lakers likely start training camp with James and Luka leading their roster. After the February trade deadline, it is impossible to say what their roster will look like. Nobody thought Doncic would be in Los Angeles after the 2025 deadline.
Treating LeBron like an expiring contract makes it more likely he is not on their roster for the start of the 2026-27 season. Whether they trade him before the deadline or let him walk in free agency, this could be LeBron’s last year with the Lakers. Fans must accept that painful reality. It is Luka’s team now, and the front office is trying to maximize their chances of winning a ring with Doncic as their superstar.
The Los Angeles Lakers are doing something no franchise has ever done to LeBron James. In every other situation, the all-time leading scorer has been the superstar and the player the team builds around. Not anymore in LA. Luka Doncic has taken that crown and made LeBron’s future uncertain. How does it end? Only time will tell, but the fairytale ending may not be the cards for King James.