Lakers might be preparing for a post LeBron James future.
Lakers Predicted to Face Big Trouble After LeBron James’ Departure originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
It’s starting to feel like the end of an era in Los Angeles. LeBron James, the superstar who brought the Lakers back to championship glory, might be ready to turn the page on his time in purple and gold. Word is, he’s not exactly thrilled with the way the roster is shaping up around him and the front office’s shiny new focus on Luka Doncic as their future centerpiece hasn’t helped matters either.
With James possibly eyeing new adventures elsewhere, the big question is whether the Lakers are truly prepared for what comes next because a post-James world could get messy fast.
According to Nick Wright, the Lakers are not dealing with the situation well and are preparing themselves for catastrophe by upsetting James.
In a recent YouTube video, Wright said, “I do understand LeBron’s side of the frustration. I don’t understand the Lakers’ side of the frustration. If it is LeBron is a lot to deal with, yeah man every all-time great athlete ever is a lot to deal with. It's almost as if the Lakers are frustrated that LeBron hasn't fallen off.”
https://www.youtube.com/live/KNCfTZO71UE
Ever since the Lakers pulled off that blockbuster deal to bring in Luka Doncic, it’s been crystal clear where their focus is now all eyes on Luka. Back in May, general manager Rob Pelinka and new coach JJ Redick even took Doncic and his agent out to a swanky dinner in West Hollywood to lay out their vision for building the team around him.
Meanwhile, James was not at the dinner. Add in the majority ownership stake sale this offseason, James opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, ensuring he will remain a Laker for at least one more year. After that, the Lakers might look different.
Rich Paul has already hinted James weighing his options. For the first time, the King’s not the center of the Lakers’ universe and that’s huge.
Related: LeBron James Update Surfaces on Future With Lakers
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
