Although LeBron James remains one of the best players in the NBA, his future with the Los Angeles Lakers is murky.
James has been asked on numerous occasions whether or not he’ll play past the 2025-26 season, but physically he seems capable of playing at least one more season. The Lakers have leaned on LeBron to carry them this year, especially this past month as Austin Reaves was sidelined with calf injury.
James was named an All-Star this season for his efforts, but his relationship with Los Angeles has been called into question dating back to the summer after the two sides didn’t agree on a contract extension. Luka Doncic’s presence gives the Lakers a clear runway to contention once LeBron decides to either leave or retire, creating a bit of an awkward situation in the interim.
The NBA trade deadline is this week and while James could still technically be dealt, the expectation is he’ll stay put in L.A. the rest of the season, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
With the NBA trade deadline approaching and several teams considered to be potential future destinations for LeBron James reportedly involved in talks to acquire star-level talent, James is still expected to finish out the season with the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told ESPN on Tuesday.
James’ agent Rich Paul previously confirmed that the Lakers star would finish the season with the purple and gold, so this new report hardly comes as a surprise. The logistics of trading James are complicated, with Los Angeles looking to preserve future cap space and the lack of suitors who would need to offer up a lot for a potential rental.
The best thing for both sides is to stick together this season and chase after a title. James has capable co-stars in Austin Reaves and Doncic, though it’s clear the front office needs to make a trade for reinforcements. More size and shooting at every position would be a good place to start, though the team also desperately needs more quality perimeter defenders.
James might not have much more time left playing, so the Lakers would be wise to try and win one more title with him while he’s still around.
LeBron James and Lakers ready to part ways this summer
Once the offseason rolls around, all eyes will be on what LeBron James decides to do with his career. However, the early feeling is that he and the Lakers are ready to part ways this summer.
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