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Skip Bayless claims LA Lakers chiefs’ recent actions were ‘openly taunting’ LeBron James, ‘made it clear…’

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 2:00 PM ET

For the last seven seasons, LeBron James has been the face of the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, with Luka Doncic’s presence, many think that LeBron James‘ role as the face of the franchise has come to an end.

James has consistently made headlines since opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, as it could be a sign that the LA Lakers haven’t offered him a contract extension.

On top of that, NBA analyst Skip Bayless believes owner Jeanie Buss and GM Rob Pelinka’s visit to Doncic in Poland was a taunt aimed at the King.

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Skip Bayless says Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss’ visit to Poland was ‘cold’ for LeBron James

Right now, Doncic is dominating in EuroBasket 2025 with Slovenia. As a sign of support, Lakers executives visited him ahead of the competition.

While most took it as a sign of respect for Doncic, Bayless thinks it was a taunt aimed at 40-year-old James.

“I just read in The Athletic that Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka, and Linda & Kurt Rambis all flew all the way to Poland to show their support for Luka playing in the EuroBasket tournament.

“What? Man, was that cold. That was just openly taunting LeBron. That was all but dancing on LeBron’s NBA grave,” he said on The Skip Bayless Show.

He added: “Rob Pelinka even referred to Luka as the face of the franchise. That’s funny, LeBron is still the face of the league. Still the most beloved player in all of basketball.”

While Pelinka has praised Doncic since signing a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers, he hasn’t taken shots at James. If anything, Pelinka has continued to treat the 4x NBA champion with utmost respect.

Skip Bayless thinks LeBron James will leave the LA Lakers after 2025-26 NBA season

Even as the oldest player in the league, LBJ hasn’t shown any major signs of decline. If anything, James has motivated Doncic to get into the best shape of his career.

Despite the two stars being on the same page, Bayless thinks the Lakers do not want LeBron to return post the 2025-26 season.

“But obviously, the Lakers brass has made it clear as broken glass that the Lakers brass did not want LeBron to opt in for his $52.6 million. This coming season.

“Obviously, they wanted him to take his talents elsewhere on the free agent market,” Bayless continued.

He then added: “Now he’s been forced to enter into a cold war with the management of the team he still plays for. The team, I think, he’s loved playing for most of the teams he’s played for.

“If LeBron does want to play another season or two seasons after this one, it will not be as a Los Angeles Laker. I never thought I’d see the day.”

Even NBA legend Charles Barkley has claimed that the Lakers are no longer LBJ’s team. Only time will tell how much truth there is to these reports.

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

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