When Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers, it was assumed that LeBron James would be thrilled with the team’s front office and that he’d have a chance to compete for a title in Hollywood for the remainder of his career.
Maybe that thinking was a bit too fast, as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer seemingly doesn’t always see eye-to-eye with team brass — something to consider as he mulls an opt-out of the second year of his $101 million deal this offseason.
“There’s always a chance that LeBron can walk,” The Athletic’s Jovan Buha said on his podcast. “As we’ve reported at The Athletic multiple times, and it’s not just my reporting, it’s been Sam Amick’s as well, the relationship has been a little frosty at times. It hasn’t always been the warmest over the past couple years.”
It seems unlikely the 40-year-old would opt for free agency, given the $52 million he’s due for the 2025-26 season, and a very limited number of teams that could pony up similar cash.
Still, James called out the Lakers’ front office after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Timberwolves in five games for not acquiring a center, as his former running mate, Anthony Davis, had requested on multiple occasions before being traded to the Mavericks for Doncic.
“No comment,” James said when asked about the small lineups Los Angeles was forced to play. “My guy AD said what he needed, and then he was gone the following week.”
James is one of two players in the NBA that has a no-trade clause, so any trade destination will need his stamp of approval.
It’s still overwhelmingly likely that the Lakers hang on to James and make moves around him and Doncic to contend in 2025.
“I think LeBron’s going to be a Laker next year. It’s just a matter of is he opting in or is he opting out and signing,” Buha added.
James could lose one of his favorite teammates, Austin Reaves, this offseason as they look to get more size on their roster and perhaps some stronger perimeter defense.
