Even if the Los Angeles Lakers remain inactive on the trade market this summer, there’s a good chance the organization would complete a midseason deal during the 2025-26 campaign.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes predicts the franchise will move on from their ‘ring-chasing’ star and four-time NBA champion in the foreseeable future.
“Shoehorning LeBron James into any list is good business because his name drives traffic and interest,” Hughes wrote Sunday. “But his inclusion here isn’t about clicks. It’s fully warranted because the Los Angeles Lakers are clearly no longer his team, and because he’s playing out the last year of his deal before 2026 free agency.”
“Though his $53 million salary and outsized presence make trade scenarios tricky, James’ status as a ring-chasing star with an expiring contract requires that he be seriously viewed as a candidate to move at the deadline. Excluding him would be a major oversight.”
“Old stomping grounds like Cleveland (Cavaliers) and Miami (Heat) should be particularly attentive, though veteran-led operations hoping for one more playoff run (looking at you, Golden State Warriors) should also have their antennae up.”
The Lakers are all-in on ensuring Luka Doncic feels comfortable in Los Angeles, which indicates that James is no longer the No. 1 attraction.
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Don’t get it twisted, though, James is still a vital member of the franchise and must deliver for the Lakers to have any shot of winning their first title since 2020.
However, the former Cavaliers phenom is 40 years old and shouldn’t be included in Los Angeles’ long-term plans, considering his retirement is right around the corner.
Assets such as Jimmy Butler and Giannis Antetokounmpo are considered legitimate trade targets for Los Angeles, allowing Los Angeles to receive a younger star in a potential deal sending James to another organization.
Contrary to popular belief, James’ future with the Lakers is still up in the air despite him opting into his $52.6 million player option earlier this summer.
More NBA: Warriors urged to trade superstar to Lakers for $101 million four-time NBA champion forward
