The Los Angeles Lakers are comfortable letting LeBron James play out the final year of his contract and clearly do not view him as a long-term piece. Brian Windhorst clearly outlined the scenario in the latest Hoop Collective podcast. James opted in to his $52.6 million player option, but that was it. Here is what Windy said.
“Rich Paul told me that they didn’t have material conversations with the Lakers about a new contract.”
Windhorst made it clear that James didn’t request a new contract, and the Lakers didn’t extend an offer. There were no discussions, which is shocking after LeBron was named second-team All-NBA in 2025. The King is still elite, but the Lakers are building around Luka Doncic now.
Lakers' stance on LeBron James couldn’t be clearer
The Lakers are accepting the fate that LeBron may make things uncomfortable. James has never been in this position, but the 40-year-old can’t play forever. Los Angeles doesn’t want to be caught with him on their books at a massive number if he can no longer offer the production to match it.
Luka Doncic is one of the three best players in the world right now. The Lakers are building around him. They have no reason to give LeBron James another year at over $50 million. LA has Austin Reaves on a low-cap hold next summer and could make meaningful upgrades to their roster. That should be the plan as they look to get back into title contention.
LeBron must face a harsh reality. The Lakers simply can’t bet on him playing like a superstar deep into the playoffs. Not at his age with the miles on his tires. Father Time is undefeated, and King James will set a new record for most seasons played when he suits up for the first time this year. Asking him for anything more is just being greedy.
It is shocking, given LeBron’s play last season, but the Lakers can’t afford to bank on what just happened with a 40-year-old superstar. It is all about the now. If King James has another dominant season, the Lakers may try to re-sign him next summer to another one-year deal. That is LeBron’s easiest path to finishing his career wearing purple and gold.
The Los Angeles Lakers won’t change this stance. They are now building around Luka Doncic and view LeBron as a luxury. There is no telling if he is on their roster for the 2026-27 season. The Lakers want to let this year play out before reevaluating, so all LeBron James can do is wait.