LeBron James Update Surfaces on Future With Lakers
LeBron James is heading into his 23rd season in the NBA, coming off another incredible year with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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James, 40, led the Lakers to the playoffs last season, where Los Angeles lost in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite entering the postseason with the higher seed.
The Lakers made a splash move last season, arguably the biggest trade in NBA trade deadline history, when they acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a deal that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas.
Despite the duo of James and Doncic, arguably the best one-two punch in the NBA, Los Angeles struggled to find success in the postseason.
After the season concluded, a report by ESPN insiders Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst reported that the Lakers are looking to turn the page with the roster they have.
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Los Angeles seems to be building their future around Doncic as James heads into the latter years of his NBA career.
"The Lakers had already made their statement in not offering James a contract beyond this season. Whether the 2025-26 season is to be James' final season in the NBA is up to him. ... Spring, 2026. Luka Doncic in, LeBron James out," read the report.
James has been with the Los Angeles Lakers since the 2018-19 NBA season. He's led the organization to an NBA title, having helped the Lakers win the championship in 2020.
While the Lakers have slowed down in their NBA title window, James hasn't skipped a beat. Last season with the Lakers, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game.
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Per an ESPN report, the Los Angeles Lakers will not be offering LeBron James a contract after this season.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Last season, Luka Doncic posted incredible numbers yet again. The Los Angeles Lakers guard finished the season with 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game.
At 26, Doncic is now widely regarded as the future of the Lakers.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
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