After seven seasons, one championship, and countless iconic moments in purple and gold, LeBron James may be nearing the end of his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers… and not on the terms he envisioned. According to a bombshell report from ESPN insiders Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst, James feels disrespected by the franchise’s decision to rebuild around Luka Dončić, signaling a likely departure by the end of the 2025–26 season.
The Lakers’ acquisition of Dončić earlier this year was hailed as a franchise-defining move, but it also marked a subtle shift in priorities. While James reportedly understood the logic of pivoting to a younger superstar, sources say he felt the nuance of his contributions was lost in the transition. After all, it was James who chose Los Angeles in 2018 when the team was mired in a playoff drought, and it was James who helped deliver the franchise’s 17th championship just two years later.
Now, with Dončić firmly positioned as the face of the future, James finds himself treated more like an expiring contract than a cornerstone. The Lakers have not offered him a new deal beyond this season, and insiders suggest the team is preparing to trade him before the February 2026 deadline rather than let him walk as a free agent.
The tension has been building quietly. When Deandre Ayton signed with the Lakers earlier this summer, it was Dončić, not James, who reached out to welcome him. That break from tradition, where veteran leaders typically initiate contact, was seen by many as a sign that James is no longer central to the team’s culture.
James’ own social media activity has added fuel to the fire. From cryptic posts to passive-aggressive likes, the 21-time All-Star has made it clear he’s evaluating his future. His agent, Rich Paul, confirmed that James wants to compete for a championship and is weighing his options carefully.
With a $52.6 million salary and no extension in sight, James’ future is murky. The Warriors have reportedly explored trade scenarios to reunite him with longtime friend Stephen Curry, while the Mavericks and Cavaliers remain speculative destinations. However, salary cap constraints and James’ age make any deal complex.
If the Lakers do move on, it will mark the first time in James’ career that he’s been traded, a stunning twist for a player who has long controlled his own narrative. And if he stays through the season, it could be a farewell tour with a bittersweet ending.
