A wild new report suggests things have gotten so contentious between the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James that the franchise wants to get rid of him as soon as possible.
Ever since he opted into the final year of his contract, there have been rumors and evidence that things are not good between the Lakers and James. And a new report from ESPN NBA insiders Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne on Friday claimed there is a defined “end date” in sight for the relationship.
“The Lakers had already made their statement in not offering James a contract beyond this season. It was abundantly clear that the 21-time All-Star’s time as the face of the Lakers had, for the first time, had a planned end date. Even if James’ record-setting NBA career did not yet,” the duo wrote.
“Whether the 2025-26 season is to be James’ final season in the NBA is up to him. But if he wanted the kind of Hollywood ending that only the Lakers can give legends of the game, the release date was set. Spring, 2026. Luka Doncic in. LeBron James out.”
Related: Rival NBA exec calls Lakers rumored new long-term roster plan ‘idiotic’
They would like to move on from him ASAP
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 11, 2025
LeBron James stats (2024-25): 24.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 37% 3PT
While rumors have suggested he could be traded this summer, that report would seem to point towards the organization wanting to give him a retirement tour in grand fashion. However, a Lakers fan tagged long-time LA sports radio host John Gambadoro to the story on X. And claimed he was right about the partnership nearing its end. But he had an interesting response to the post.
“They would like to move on from him ASAP,” Gambadoro wrote in response.
Recent rumors have suggested that LeBron James is not thrilled with the organization shifting roster plans to a more long-term approach of building around Doncic in the years ahead. Instead of loading up for next season and making a serious run at one more championship for the NBA legend.
While James is likely to stick around for one more season in Lala Land, it sure seems as possible as ever he could be moved this summer to chase a title in 2025-26.
Related: How Luka Doncic can position himself for $400 million Los Angeles Lakers contract
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos