LeBron James' Lakers Future Gets Shocking Update From ESPN Insider

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 12:22 PM ET

LeBron James is about to enter his 23rd year in the NBA, and his eighth year with the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, that doesn't mean he's going to end the season with the Purple & Gold. As a matter of fact, he might not even play for them at all this season.

There have been some rumblings about James' potential desire to leave Southern California if the Lakers don't make significant additions to their roster.

That, according to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, has led the Lakers to reconsider their stance on James' future with the organization:

"My conversations over the last 3 days have crystallized that the Lakers are essentially viewing LeBron as an expiring contract," Windhorst said. "And what happens to expiring contracts in the NBA? They're viewed as trade pieces."

Windhorst claimed that the Lakers and LeBron hadn't had any substantial talks about the future and a potential contract extension, which is the first time that has happened to James in any of the teams he's been a part of. As such, the writing might be on the wall:

"I'm just unlocking the door because I am not as convinced as before if it's impossibility," Windhorst said.

"My conversations over the last 3 days have crystallized that the Lakers are essentially viewing LeBron as an expiring contract... I'm just unlocking the door because I am not as convinced as before if it's impossibility."

- Brian Windhorst pic.twitter.com/e2hlUuaXBf
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 2, 2025

James has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning that he could essentially hand-pick his next team, even if he's not a free agent.

His agent, Rich Paul, claimed that he wants to play for another championship before riding into the sunset, and if the Lakers don't make the moves to get to that level, this might be the end of the James era in Hollywood.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: