Lakers could move on from LeBron James, Luka Dončić pairing with slow start

The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the basketball world ahead of the trade deadline as they acquired Luka Dončić, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. The move immediately changed the franchise's timeline as the young star turned 26 just a few weeks later.

While building around LeBron James has been the focus of his franchise's decision making process for each of his first 22 seasons, that will not be the case in 2025-26. Instead, the Lakers will prioritize building a long-term contender around Dončić.

That has been evident in their first offseason with the five-time first-team All-NBA guard on the roster. Los Angeles has only given out two-year deals in an effort to maintain cap flexibility and keep their books open for the stacked 2027 class -- where they are hoping to find a long-term co-star for Dončić.

Although James picked up his $52.6 million player option to return to the Lakers, John Hollinger of The Athletic suggested that the four-time MVP could be moved if the team struggles to start the season.

"This situation bears watching from both sides, particularly if L.A. starts the regular season slowly," The Athletic's John Hollinger wrote Monday. "The Lakers set themselves up to have max cap room next summer once James’ salary comes off their books, taking advantage of an artificially low cap hold for Austin Reaves. If that’s their angle, wouldn’t it make sense to cash in their James stock if they aren’t challenging at the top of the West?"

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"Meanwhile, James has some power to choose his next destination via a no-trade clause, but free agency isn’t what it used to be," Hollinger continued. "The best realistic way for him to get paid next summer by his team of choice is to land at his preferred destination via trade, and then have intact Bird rights in the summer of 2026."

If the Lakers are indeed set on maintaining cap flexibility for 2027, it will be difficult to find a trade partner that could match James' salary with contracts that will expire within the next two years -- all while keeping Los Angeles competitive around Dončić and providing James with an opportunity to contend for his fifth title. Furthermore, the luxury tax apron will add another challenge to a potential deal.

In all likelihood, James will play out his contract with the Lakers due to the complications of a trade. In fact, there have been some reports that he could re-sign and return to the franchise when his contract expires following the 2025-26 season.

The situation remains one to monitor, however, Los Angeles is hoping that their offseason moves will be enough to contend in a stacked Western Conference while keeping an eye towards the future. The Lakers have added Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart on two-year deals and appear to be active in looking for more upgrades via the trade market.

More NBA: Lakers star LeBron James had interest in reuniting with Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving