NBA insider says relationship between Lakers, LeBron James is ending

The future of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has become of the NBA's biggest stories, and one NBA insider added fuel to the fire.

ESPN's Shams Charania appeared on The Pat McAfee Show Friday, saying he believes the marriage between James and the Lakers is nearing its end.

"What we're having right now, this is the end of a relationship," Charania said. "If LeBron James, as a free agent, decides to sign somewhere else, or if he decides to retire, or he decides to come back for one more year."

James will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and has been quiet on his future with the Lakers. Charania said the eventual split between the two parties will likely come with difficult moments.

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"The end is near with this relationship however you want to slice it," he said. "There always seems to be some sort of storyline with that. It can be unceremonious at certain points."

LeBron is having another impressive season, averaging 22.5 points, six rebounds and 6.9 assists in 26 games. But questions about James' future with the Lakers have become a talking point around the league, as teams wonder if he is willing to be traded to another team.

James was asked if he wants to finish the season with LA after the team's 112-104 loss to the Clippers Thursday night. He said he was "good" with staying with the Lakers but did not give any other details.

Charania said LeBron is solely focused on what happens on the court, rather than his future with the Lakers.

"I don't think he cares much for really anything that goes on with basketball other than him playing games," he said. "He's got other things on his mind right now."

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