The 2024-25 season was LeBron James’ 22nd year in the NBA and his seventh with the Lakers. At 40 years old, James is a 21-time all-star, five-time NBA champion, and the league’s all-time leading scorer.
At the start of last season, LeBron James was still the centerpiece of the Lakers’ franchise. That all changed when the team made a shocking trade. They sent Anthony Davis to the Mavericks to acquire Luka Doncic. Now, the Slovenian PG has changed the Lakers’ outlook as a franchise. The team is set to build around Doncic long-term, and LeBron is starting to see that. ESPN insider Shams Charania said LeBron James and the Lakers are having a “moment of truth” this offseason.
Will LeBron James leave the Lakers before his career ends?
On LeBron James and the Lakers for the midnight @SportsCenter: pic.twitter.com/XPK4lSo065
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
For the first time in his NBA career, LeBron James exercised his player option. He had turned down eight consecutive player options to sign a larger deal. James’ option for the 2025-26 season is $52.6 million with the Lakers. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that James will closely monitor the moves made by Los Angeles this offseason. The 40-year-old still wants to compete for a title and doesn’t want to waste any time he has left in the NBA.
Additionally, Charania said James is aware that Los Angeles is making moves this offseason centered around Luka Doncic. The Lakers plan to go younger at certain points on the roster, and they are prioritizing two-year deals. That sets them up to have max salary cap space during the 2027 offseason. For the 2025-26 season, the Lakers are prioritizing signing a center and adding wing depth.
LeBron James will look to finish his career with another team if he feels he can’t compete for a championship with the Lakers, per @ShamsCharania
It could really be happening. pic.twitter.com/ArZayvpSs1
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 1, 2025
Shams called this a “moment of truth” between LeBron James and the Lakers. The 2025-26 season will be a record-setting 23rd season for King James. That breaks a tie he had with Hall of Famer Vince Carter. On top of that, James is 50 games away from breaking Robert Parish’s record for most career regular-season games.
The Lakers want to be contenders next season with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. That’s not a question. However, the team is not shy about what their priorities are. Los Angeles values James, but they’re set to build around Luka Doncic long-term. If this rubs James the wrong way, could he think about leaving the Lakers?
