The relationship between LeBron James and the LA Lakers looks strained these days, but does that mean he should move on?
There’s been no shortage of drama this offseason between James and the Lakers. With the team shifting its focus to Luka Doncic, LeBron’s future in Los Angeles has become a hot topic.
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There’s no question the Lakers are building around Doncic now, and for someone like LeBron, that can’t be easy to accept.
LeBron still wants to compete for titles before calling it a career, but right now, the Lakers haven’t put together a roster that looks capable of challenging for one.
The two sides are still tied together for now, but that hasn’t done much to quiet down all the trade talk.
Is moving on really best for either side? According to one NBA analyst at least, LeBron and the Lakers might still have a better shot at reaching their goals by sticking together.
Clutch Points’ Anthony Irwin has weighed in on the possibility of LeBron James moving on from the LA Lakers, sharing why he believes the two sides are still stronger together.
LeBron hasn’t been a fan of how things have gone since the Russell Westbrook trade. Despite those frustrations, Irwin argues that staying put gives both James and the Lakers a better shot at another title than splitting up would.
“On LeBron James’ side, there is real frustration over the Lakers’ lack of direction since the Russell Westbrook trade,” he wrote.
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) July 16, 2025
“The whole thing has become pretty awkward, and yet the reality is they’re both better off with each other.
“There is no trade the Lakers would make that would give James a better chance at a title than he has playing with Doncic.”
If the LA Lakers get off to a hot start this season, Anthony Irwin thinks LeBron James and Luka Doncic could use that momentum to push for roster upgrades.
He explained:
“One thing to keep a close eye on as we get closer to the season: If the Lakers’ schedule is backloaded as it typically is and they go on a run, I’m really curious whether Luka and LeBron will push the FO to buy into the opportunity in front of them.”
One thing to keep a close eye on as we get closer to the season: If the Lakers' schedule is backloaded as it typically is and they go on a run, I'm really curious whether Luka and LeBron will push the FO to buy into the opportunity in front of them.
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) July 17, 2025
If early results are good or if they put together a strong run by December, it could lead to pressure from within to add more talent.
Their performances would give them leverage. And Luka Doncic and LeBron James might see it as proof that they’re close to title contention.
But Rob Pelinka has always been careful about making midseason changes. He may not want to disrupt what’s working by adding new pieces.
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