For months, publicly and privately, the Lakers have been signaling their desire to begin the Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles, even if it meant ending the LeBron James one.

When the Dallas Mavericks traded away Luka Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis, the entire basketball landscape was taken aback, including the one and only LeBron James.

Look, the NBA offseason hasn’t even fully heated up, and we’re already talking about LeBron James trades. Yep, it’s that kind of summer in Los Angeles. Depending on how LeBron takes the Lakers’ next few roster moves or lack thereof,

The Los Angeles Lakers had a clear priority going into free agency: to find a rim-protecting, lob-threat center — and that’s exactly what they got last week, signing 26-year-old and 2018 No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal.

The Los Angeles Lakers may be on high alert as Luka Doncic's thought process on his future may be different than expected.

LeBron James accomplished one of his stated career goals last season, and it was perhaps one of his most impressive. In his 22nd season, James was able to suit up and play alongside his son, Bronny, for the Los Angeles Lakers. And after picking up his player option last week it seems James will do so again in the 2025–26 campaign.

Most around the NBA seem to believe LeBron James isn’t going anywhere. After exercising a $52.6 million player option before the start of free agency, he is likely to stay put and play for the Los Angeles Lakers.