Top NBA insider Brian Windhorst threw more fuel on the speculation that LeBron James will be traded by the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. And that Luka Doncic is playing a role in the potential breakup.
James is locked into at least one more season in Los Angeles after he opted into the final year of his contract. However, that decision surprisingly created a large amount of speculation that it may set up his departure from LaLa Land this summer.
The main reason is his agent, Rich Paul, released a statement following the opt-in about how his client expects the Lakers to do what is necessary to improve the roster so he can chase another title before he retires. LA wants to get better. But with 26-year-old superstar Luka Doncic on the roster, the organization is thinking long-term as much as they are about winning a title in 2025-26.
That revised outlook does not seem to align with James’ plans. It is why there has been a boatload of rumors that the two sides could part ways after seven seasons. ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst has been a notable reporter stoking the flames of a potential trade. And he added fuel to the growing speculation during an appearance on Cleveland’s ESPN Radio station this week.
- LeBron James stats (2024-25): 24.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 378% 3PT
“One thing I feel pretty good about today, although things can pivot, is LeBron’s time with the Lakers is beginning to come to an end,” Windhorst said [h/t Real GM]. “They are beginning to move apart. You can actually argue that it started when they traded for Luka. I know everybody thought LeBron was in on that. And I know I said at the time I didn’t believe that—LeBron was not in on it.
“I don’t know what else to tell you. He was not in on it,” the NBA insider added. “He wasn’t against it. I think he was shocked they traded Anthony Davis. But LeBron was not in that decision process. That was a move away from LeBron as the center of the team.”
There have been suggestions that trading for Doncic was less about pairing him with James and more about replacing him as the face of the franchise. The insider’s comments add to that narrative. And the possibility that the James era in LA ends in the coming months.
More LeBron James rumors and speculation:
- More evidence emerges LeBron James trade from Lakers coming soon
- LeBron James trade rumors intensify – 5 likely landing spots, including the Mavericks and Knicks
- LeBron James back to Cavaliers? NBA insider reveals Cavs current interest in another reunion
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