Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James
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LeBron James doesn't appear to be a part of the Lakers' future plans, which revolve around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves
The Los Angeles Lakers are in the middle of one of the more confusing campaigns in recent memory. While they are sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference with a 37-24 record, there is a lot of internal tension bubbling currently, with the majority of it surrounding LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves.
James’ future has been the subject of much speculation over the past few months, especially with Doncic and Reaves appearing to be a formidable backcourt duo. And according to recent reports, it sounds like the Lakers are intent on building around Doncic and Reaves, with all signs pointing to James not being a part of their future plans.
LeBron James’ Future with Lakers Gets Dealt Another Blow
James’ future with the Lakers has become the subject of much speculation, thanks in large part to the team’s middling play with him on the floor this season. While James has remained an All-Star-caliber player (21.6 PPG, 7 APG, 5.7 RPG), it’s been telling that the team has looked significantly better with just Doncic and Reaves leading the charge.
As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the two sides part ways this upcoming offseason. While retirement could be in the cards for James (he did just turn 41 years old earlier this season, after all), he has been linked to several different teams, with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks all appearing to be potential landing spots for him.
Of course, there’s a chance that Los Angeles could reverse course and look to keep James around, but it seems like that bridge may have already been burned. Case in point, NBA insider Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated recently reported that L.A. is intent on building “Dallas 2.0” around Doncic and Reaves, which is the latest indication that James is not part of the team’s future plans.
“They just really wanna make Dallas 2.0,” Mannix said on “Run It Back.” “I think they feel like they can succeed with a backcourt of Luka (Doncic) and Austin Reaves … if they get the right type of players in that frontcourt.”
What Should the Lakers Do with LeBron James?
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts in a game. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times
Even though he’s in the final years of his career, James is still a very valuable player, which puts the Lakers in a bit of a tough spot. With free agency looming for James, Los Angeles could run the risk of losing him for nothing. Given how things have unfolded this season and the team’s reported desire to commit to Doncic and Reaves, the team may already be resigned to letting James walk in free agency.
In the present, though, Los Angeles still has a shot at making something of this season, although all the drama surrounding the team may suggest otherwise. If the Lakers continue falling apart, that would seemingly pave the way for James to leave town. And should that happen, that could allow L.A. to make the sort of roster renovations it appears intent on making this offseason.