According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the trade for Luka Doncic represents the start of a transition away from building around the Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James:
“The beginning of LeBron’s departure from the Lakers has begun. That departure could be into retirement. That departure could be another. But another way is on the table.”
Windhorst elaborated that after lengthy discussions with team insiders, it’s no longer accurate to declare a LeBron trade impossible:
“I would have said four days ago when LeBron opted into his contract, I would have said there was no chance of him getting traded… After … conversations … I no longer saying there is no chance. I am not saying it’s likely, but I cannot responsibly say there’s no chance anymore.”
Though he’s opted in for $52.6 million, the lack of long-term conversation further fuels uncertainty.
LeBron James, Lakers Began Moving Apart With Luka Doncic Trade https://t.co/rFbtWIYnUx
— RealGM (@RealGM) July 3, 2025
