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LeBron James has already boxed Rob Pelinka into a corner with his comments on ‘winning’ LA Lakers player

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 9:00 PM ET

LeBron James has an uncertain future with the Los Angeles Lakers, making his demands clear.

A temporary fix is in place for LeBron James to stay with the LA Lakers. It is a very conditional one.

LeBron has opted in to the final year of his contract, with a statement from representative Rich Paul, who warned: “We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career.”

The warning is stark, that LeBron could either request a trade or even retire if the LA Lakers cannot deliver the roster he wants.

There are teams who would jump at the chance to trade for LeBron James if he decided to waive his no-trade clause and publicly seek an exit.

But first up, the Lakers will get an opportunity to build out their roster. And that at least should mean hanging onto their key players.

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Dorian Finney-Smith situation unclear

The Lakers traded for Dorian Finney-Smith midseason, sending D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets.

Finney-Smith was one of the few players trusted by head coach JJ Redick in the playoffs. But his future is unclear.

After LeBron’s decision, news broke that Finney-Smith had declined his $15 million player option.

This is for two reasons, it gives Finney-Smith the chance to agree a longer term extension in LA. And it also allows him to test the market with other teams.

The pressure is on general manager Rob Pelinka to get the deal done.

LeBron has made clear what he thinks of Finney-Smith

LeBron James has now boxed Rob Pelinka into a corner. The Lakers GM must make the Lakers stronger, and not weaker.

LeBron has high admiration for Finney-Smith, and will be disappointed if he does not return.

Speaking this past season after a win over the Mavericks, LeBron said: “We knew exactly what we were getting when we got him.

“We knew we’d get things in the boxscores and then there would be things that didn’t show up in the boxscore. He’s just a winning player, he makes winning plays.”

Losing a ‘winning player’ like Finney-Smith would be viewed as an immediate setback by LeBron James and his camp.

It would also not go down well with Luka Doncic, who the Lakers are trying to build around. The pair are close, previously playing together for Dallas.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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