Los Angeles Lakers Want to Move on From LeBron James ‘ASAP’

The LeBron James era with the Los Angeles Lakers could be coming to an end soon, as according to NBA insider John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7, the Lakers want to move on from James “ASAP.”

James, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, will make $52.6 million next season after picking up his 2025-26 player option.

The Lakers can only trade James if the NBA icon requests a trade. The two sides could also agree to a buyout agreement, which would make James an unrestricted free agent.

The leading scorer in NBA history, James signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2018. He guided the franchise to the 2020 championship against the Miami Heat at the Walt Disney World bubble with the help of Anthony Davis.

Los Angeles traded Davis and Max Christie to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic last season. Doncic is the new franchise player for the Lakers, who lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs.

Doncic is only 26 years old, while James turns 41 in December. The Lakers can sign Doncic to a contract extension starting on August 2.

In 70 games for the Lakers last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists while shooting 51.3% overall, 37.6% from 3 and 78.2% from the foul line. The four-time MVP and four-time Finals MVP made the All-NBA Second Team, becoming the oldest player in NBA history (40) to accomplish that feat.

A James trade is challenging since the future Hall of Famer will make $52.6 million next season. James is better suited to get a buyout from the Lakers so he can sign with a team for a more reasonable salary.

A top 75 player of all time, James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Heat and Lakers. He’s the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists. The Akron native has career averages of 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists.

It will be fascinating to see where James is playing next season.

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