The Los Angeles Lakers are working by means of a interval of transition, whereas additionally attempting to place collectively a title-winning crew.
After coming into final season worrying how for much longer LeBron James may proceed, the LA Lakers now have a brand new future hope.
After Luka Doncic was traded to the crew earlier in 2025, the Lakers’ timeline for achievement was instantly prolonged.
For 2025-26, LeBron James and Luka Doncic will play a full season collectively. However from 2026, just one participant is locked in.
Luka Doncic signed a significant contract extension earlier this month, and one of many massive speaking factors was that LeBron James didn’t attend the presentation.
NBA professional Rachel Nichols believes that this was not a case of LeBron James having any type of downside with Doncic, as a substitute claiming that he’s annoyed with the franchise.
She stated: “I believe it has extra to do along with his frustration with the Lakers. He believes he’s performed at a degree the place he deserves an extension. He shouldn’t be an expiring contract.”
Nichols advised Sports activities Illustrated that she believes LeBron James is worthy of a contract extension primarily based on his performances, the place he was nonetheless one of many NBA’s prime gamers in 2024-25.
However he’s additionally acting at an unprecedented degree for a participant of his age, and he or she notes that fears of a drop-off may very well be dangerous, however the larger situation is signing LeBron to an enormous extension may value them the possibility to signal a youthful, dream companion for Doncic.
Two prime stars may hit the market in 2027, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. And like the remainder of the league, the LA Lakers don’t need to rule themselves out, in case they turn into obtainable.
A franchise just like the Lakers will at all times be within the combine, and with Luka Doncic’s future now locked in, they’re a really tempting vacation spot.
Nichols explains: “Two issues will be true. He has performed at that degree. Nonetheless, additionally he can be 42 years previous if the Lakers signed him to an extension, they don’t know what sort of form, and I don’t imply bodily form, I imply basketball form he’s going to be in at that time.
“And the reality is, as we simply mentioned, if certainly one of these different massive gamers comes obtainable, and by the best way, somebody at all times does, we didn’t count on Luca Doncic to be obtainable… they don’t need to be tied up with 42 yr previous LeBron once they may get, say, a Giannis or Jokic or another person.
“LeBron in all probability does deserve an extension, and it’s true that the Lakers type of can’t afford to present him one in the event that they need to hold their cap open sufficient to signal a youthful co-star for Luka going ahead into the following 5 years, and it’s created a very uncomfortable scenario.”
