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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have already started to build the team around Luka Doncic. After trading for him last season, all of the offseason moves were made with him in mind. He is the future of the franchise, and LeBron James is no longer the face of the franchise.
James is the longest-tenured player in NBA history. He’s still very good, although he’s no longer the elite player he once was. At the end of the season, he has a player option to consider. If he opts in, he will be paid $52.6 million next season.
James has spent the last eight seasons in Los Angeles. There have been rumors circulating that he could leave after this season. According to a report, that seems all but certain at this point.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts in a game. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times
Lakers Could Lose LeBron James to Cleveland: Report
According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, while appearing on Get Up, many around the league expect James to head to the Cavaliers next season.
“If you ask people around the league, Cleveland is the most likely destination. Think of the storyline. The reunion, coming home again, the hometown kid. One last run, a retirement tour for the ages. Being able to play for a contender. Look, right now in Los Angeles for the Lakers, LeBron James is a guest in his own home.”
LA has made it clear that this is Luka Doncic’s team now, and that is something James has never had to deal with before. Every other team he has been on has been built around him, even when he was with the Heat with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
McMahon went on to say that the Lakers will likely go on to build the team around Doncic and Austin Reaves as the number-two option. James no longer fits with the future of the team, and the current constructed roster isn’t good enough to win a title.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots the ball. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LeBron James Might Have Trouble Fitting in With the Cavs
One of the biggest issues facing the reunion in Cleveland is their cap situation. The Cavaliers are already a second apron team. If they add James, the expenses would only add further strain on their tax bill. James would have to take a major pay cut to end up in Cleveland.
There is a chance that James decides to sign with a different contender so that he can make a little more money. It seems very likely that next season is his final year in the league, but two years is the max he would sign for. That would give James 25 seasons in the league.
The Lakers would welcome James back if he decided to opt into his contract. They are still a good team with him. However, leaving would give the Lakers a large chunk of salary cap space they could use to further build the team around Doncic and re-sign Reaves.