LeBron James was long expected to close out his career with the Los Angeles Lakers – his tenure had more questions about timing and team success than destination.
But the blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic has shifted that narrative, making LeBron’s future in L.A. unclear and potentially signaling the end of his Lakers run this offseason.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst commented on ESPN Cleveland:
“One thing I feel pretty good about today, although things can pivot, is LeBron’s time with the Lakers is beginning to come to an end. They are beginning to move apart.”
This shift began with the Lakers’ acquisition of Doncic, a move Windhorst says LeBron neither initiated nor opposed:
“I know I said at the time I didn’t believe that – LeBron was not in on it. I don’t know what else to tell you. He was not in on it. He wasn’t against it. I think he was shocked they traded Anthony Davis. But LeBron was not in part of that decision process.”
LeBron possesses a no-trade clause, giving him agency if discussions on his future emerge.
LeBron James, Lakers Began Moving Apart With Luka Doncic Trade https://t.co/rFbtWIYnUx
— RealGM (@RealGM) July 3, 2025
