The LeBron James era in Los Angeles might be nearing its end.
After picking up his $52.6 million player option to remain with the Lakers for the 2025-26 season, speculation has ramped up that this could be James’ final year in the purple and gold. And with training camp just two months away, that conversation is only getting louder.
“It all really depends on how this coming season goes,” a source told NBA insider Marc Stein, speaking on James’ future beyond this year.
While LeBron’s decision to opt in locked him into one more year in L.A., “there isn’t a trade to a team he wants to be on that’s available, and a buyout is highly unlikely,” according to Yahoo Sports’ Kurt Helin.
“It certainly appears as though they are approaching the 2025-26 season as LeBron’s last in Tinseltown,” Helin suggested the Lakers have already begun preparing for life without him.
At 41 years old, James is still playing at an elite level. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists while shooting 38 percent from deep last season. But after a first-round playoff exit and a widening gap between the Lakers and top contenders like Oklahoma City, serious questions remain about whether this roster can compete for a title.
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