LeBron James is officially returning to the Los Angeles Lakers for 2025-26 after picking up his $52.6 million player option. Now, comes the hard part of the process. James must accept his current position of no longer being the Lakers' key cog within the organization.
James has certainly not lacked in organizational control throughout the latter stages of his career. The Lakers superstar has been able to apply pressure when necessary to maximize the rosters around him. LeBron has left championships at every stop of his journey as a result.
Even at 40 years old, championship are still of heavy interest for James. That much was communicated through his agent, Rich Paul.
"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul told Shams Charania and ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. ... He wants to make every season he has left count."
Paul hinted at the pair already knowing the reality of the situation in his statements. The Lakers have been 'supportive and want what's best for [James].' However, the Klutch Sports CEO and his client appeared to understand that Luka Doncic is the main focus now for Los Angeles.
James remains integral, but the crown is no longer his
One can only imagine how long it has been for James since the 21-time All-Star was not the best player on his team. As discussed, a good chunk of that has come with a healthy amount of say with regard to how the teams look around him.
The Lakers and James are certainly aligned on their goals to compete for a championship. However, the interest for Rob Pelinka and the front office is assumed to be much more centered around doing so for the long-term desire to keep Doncic around.
After acquiring the former Dallas Mavericks superstar, the need for an extension became quickly apparent and a key focus for the organization. The Lakers attempted to move rapidly and show Doncic some good faith in their acquisition of Mark Williams. That move backfired.
JJ Redick, Luka Doncic, and Rob Pelinka were seen leaving ‘Craig’s’ in LA last night.
Discussing business, perhaps……. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ioyqUeiniU
— HeroOfTheDay (@Hero_OfThe_Day) May 3, 2025
After the Lakers were eliminated from the 2025 NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Pelinka and Doncic were found meeting shortly after. The urgency to include their new superstar point guard in presumed offseason plans paints him as the new figurehead of the roster.
James is certainly far from an afterthought in Los Angeles. Idealistically, the moves made this offseason will benefit both superstars. However, given the circumstance of needing to choose between two, the expectation from here is that Doncic takes priority.