The Los Angeles Lakers made the shocking move to trade star forward Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, returning guard Luka Doncic. Pairing Doncic with James gave the Lakers a midseason boost that lifted them in the Western Conference standings, but ultimately, the Lakers still fell in the first round of the NBA playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now, it appears the Lakers are prepared to fully enter the Doncic era, and are looking to move on from their oldest superstar.
All signs point to the Lakers wanting to move on from LeBron James by the spring of 2026, per (Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst)
“’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, a planned end date, even if James’ record-setting NBA career did not yet. 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,’” reported NBA Central on Friday.
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“LeBron gave them a ring. They’re giving him an expiration date. Cold business,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“I bleed purple and gold, but I really hate how our franchise treats stars until this owners group. Dr. Buss would’ve had AD and Bron walking the red carpet. Rob and Jeanie treated Bron and AD like unwanted guest they had to take care of,” one fan added.
“What’s the percent chance that Lakers get a co star for Luka as good as current LBJ? I’m genuinely curious. Like besides Giannis and Jokic (highly unlikely) who could be better?” someone else added.
It’ll be interesting to see how much longer James is a member of the purple and gold.