New Update Suggests LeBron James Could Leave Lakers Sooner Than Expected

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career."

Meanwhile, Phoenix radio host John Gambadoro recently reported that the Lakers want to move on from James "ASAP."

The Lakers have begun shifting toward a younger roster, and with the acquisition of Doncic, their championship window has widened. However, James’s presence limits their ability to embrace that direction fully.

James has not indicated when he might retire, but if he and the Lakers were to part ways this offseason, it would have to happen via trade.

There’s only one problem with that, though. ESPN’s Bobby Marks made it clear that teams would prefer to acquire arguably the greatest player of all time through free agency. Taking on a $52.6 million contract isn’t something many franchises can do without giving up key players of their own.

James has one season left on his current deal before he’s free to sign elsewhere next offseason.