Brian Windhorst’s report isn’t confirmation that LeBron is on the move—but it is a warning shot. For the first time in years, all options are on the table
It’s difficult to imagine the Lakers without LeBron James. For nearly a decade, he has been their north star, their leader, and their biggest attraction.
But with Luka Dončić potentially ushering in a new era, the Lakers are being forced to make tough choices.
Whether LeBron James ultimately stays in Los Angeles or charts a new path elsewhere, this summer could define his legacy—and reshape the Lakers’ future.
The silence from the front office, the messaging from Rich Paul, the trade inquiries from other teams—these aren’t just noise. They are signals.
Signals that the LeBron era in L.A. might be reaching its final chapter.
The Lakers, for their part, must now decide if they’ll turn the page with him—or without him.
Also Read: Meet Tyran Stokes: The Teen Basketball Star Creating a Frenzy at EYBL Events
Table of Contents
Brian Windhorst: LeBron James’ Future in LA
A Turning Point for the Lakers Franchise
For over two decades, LeBron James has been one of the most defining players in the history of the NBA.1
For the past seven years, he has worn the purple and gold, serving as the heartbeat of the LA Lakers. But heading into his historic 23rd NBA season, things appear to be shifting.
With Luka Dončić now reportedly in town and the Lakers entering a new chapter, the team’s priorities might be undergoing a massive transformation—one that could result in the unthinkable: LeBron James being traded.
A New Era Begins in LA
The Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Dončić—arguably one of the most gifted offensive players in modern basketball—signals a clear intent to pivot toward youth and long-term sustainability.
Dončić is only 25 years old and already boasts a resume filled with All-Star appearances, All-NBA honors, and jaw-dropping playoff performances.
Pairing him with an aging LeBron might seem ideal on paper, but it raises several questions about the direction Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office wish to take.
In previous seasons, every roster move the Lakers made revolved around maximizing LeBron’s championship window. Now, the focus might be shifting toward the next 5–10 years, rather than the next one or two.
Brian Windhorst’s Revelations: An Expiring Contract
One of the most surprising developments came via longtime NBA insider Brian Windhorst, who revealed on ESPN that the Lakers are internally viewing LeBron James as an expiring contract.2
This type of language is normally reserved for role players or aging veterans without significant ties to the team. Applying it to someone like LeBron? That’s a seismic shift.
“My conversations over the last three days have crystallized that the Lakers are essentially viewing LeBron as an expiring contract,” Windhorst said. “I’m just unlocking the door because I am not as convinced as before if it’s impossibility.”
This suggests that for the first time, the Lakers are preparing for life without LeBron—whether that departure comes through retirement, free agency, or most controversially, via trade.
The Luka Factor: A Franchise Cornerstone Arrives
If Dončić is indeed on his way to the Lakers, that dramatically alters the team’s blueprint.
The 2024 offseason has already been one of the wildest in recent memory, and adding Dončić to the Lakers’ roster will almost certainly require major sacrifices—both financially and strategically.
LeBron, with his massive salary and influence over the franchise, may no longer be compatible with what the front office wants to build.
That doesn’t mean he lacks value—far from it. It simply means that the Lakers now have a younger, healthier star to build around, one whose prime is just beginning rather than nearing its end.
Happy to be with the @notbpod guys tonight for NBA Draft. You can watch with us on YouTube: https://t.co/wGyG8aSBlA
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) June 25, 2025
LeBron’s History with Trades
Interestingly, LeBron James has never been traded in the traditional sense. The only instance that comes close is the 2010 sign-and-trade deal that sent him from Cleveland to Miami.
Every other move—from Miami back to Cleveland, and then to Los Angeles—was conducted through free agency.
Being traded at this stage of his career would be both shocking and symbolic. It would signify the final shift from the “LeBron Era” to a new generation of NBA superstars.
And it would also be a massive departure from how teams have historically treated legends of his caliber.
What a LeBron Trade Might Look Like
Should the Lakers seriously explore trading LeBron, the logistics would be incredibly complex.
His $51.4 million salary for the upcoming season would require any interested team to match salary and, more importantly, convince James to waive his no-trade clause or opt into a new situation.
But there are scenarios that make sense:
-
Cleveland Cavaliers: A homecoming part two? With the Cavs on the cusp of contention and loaded with young talent like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, a reunion could be emotional and impactful.
-
Golden State Warriors: The idea of LeBron teaming up with Stephen Curry in the twilight of his career is tantalizing, especially if the Warriors are looking to make one final push.
-
Miami Heat: A return to South Beach, where he won two championships, could offer both nostalgia and a legit shot at another ring under Erik Spoelstra.
Brian Windhorst: Fan Reactions
Loyalty vs. Legacy
No matter what happens, LeBron’s legacy in Los Angeles is secure.3
He delivered the 2020 NBA championship inside the Orlando bubble and brought the Lakers back to relevance during a chaotic era. However, Lakers fans are divided.
Some believe it’s time to move on and embrace the youth movement. Others argue that LeBron has earned the right to retire a Laker, regardless of the team’s direction.
If the front office does opt to trade him, the backlash could be intense—but so could the potential benefits if Dončić flourishes as the new face of the franchise.
The Business Side of Basketball
At the end of the day, the NBA is a business. Trading LeBron would be one of the most controversial moves in league history, but it could also be a financially sound one.
Offloading his massive salary could open up cap space, allow the Lakers to retool around Dončić, and prevent another drawn-out farewell tour that distracts from winning basketball.
And from LeBron’s perspective? A trade to a title contender might be more appealing than staying on a team that’s clearly moving in a different direction.
The Bronny James Factor
Another wrinkle to this drama is LeBron’s son, Bronny James. The Lakers selected him in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, sparking speculation that LeBron would finish his career playing alongside his son. That dream could still be realized—but not necessarily in Los Angeles.
If a team trades for LeBron, they might also ask for Bronny in a package deal, creating a once-in-a-lifetime father-son duo on a different NBA roster.
Alternatively, the Lakers could use Bronny as a bargaining chip to sweeten the pot in any trade discussions involving his father.
Lakers’ Long-Term Vision
Rob Pelinka’s decision-making has come under fire in recent years, but one thing is clear: he’s not afraid to make bold moves. The addition of Luka Dončić suggests that he is no longer content with riding out LeBron’s twilight years in mediocrity.
Instead, he wants to build a title contender around a younger core, echoing the blueprint used by teams like the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets.
In that context, viewing LeBron as an “expiring contract” isn’t disrespectful—it’s strategic.
Also Read: Chad Baker-Mazara (Basketball): Who Is He? Bio, Career, Parents, Family and More
Brian Windhorst: Reading Between the Lines
The Silence Speaks Volumes
Windhorst, on ESPN’s Get Up, highlighted the glaring absence of any public praise or acknowledgment from the Lakers’ front office this time around.
“Last year, when LeBron signed a contract extension, Rob Pelinka had about a 115-word quote talking about how wonderful LeBron James is… Yesterday, there was no statement.”
This isn’t just a missed PR opportunity—it could be a calculated signal. Public relations gestures in the NBA are not taken lightly.
When a franchise cornerstone like LeBron makes a contractual decision, it’s typical for the team to reciprocate with some kind of statement. The absence of that could mean the Lakers are bracing themselves for a major transition.
The Rich Paul Factor: Strategic Messaging or Subtle Ultimatum?
LeBron James and his agent Rich Paul have always had a unique ability to move the needle—on and off the court.
Paul’s recent remarks about LeBron wanting a championship-contending roster could be more than just casual commentary. It may very well be a strategic move to put pressure on the Lakers’ front office.
This tactic isn’t new. LeBron has often relied on Paul to send messages to team management without directly issuing ultimatums.
Whether it’s in Miami, Cleveland, or now L.A., Paul has played the role of spokesperson for LeBron’s championship aspirations. The Lakers know this playbook well—and they know what happens when the message is ignored.
Brian Windhorst: Trade Rumors Heating Up Despite No Official Request
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that at least four teams have reached out to the Lakers about the possibility of acquiring LeBron James.
While LeBron hasn’t requested a trade and reportedly remains committed to the Lakers—for now—he holds all the cards. Thanks to the no-trade clause in his contract, any move would require his direct approval.
This essentially gives LeBron the power to dictate not only if he leaves but where he goes.
From a front-office perspective, that kind of leverage can be problematic. Rob Pelinka and the Lakers could be left in a reactive position, rather than one of control.
Why the Timing of All This Matters
It’s no coincidence that all this is happening in the offseason. This is the window when teams retool and re-strategize.
If LeBron truly wants one more run at a title, now is the time to demand a supporting cast capable of doing so.
Whether that means staying in L.A. with a revamped roster or seeking greener pastures elsewhere, the pressure is mounting.
The Lakers have reportedly been eyeing major trades, including potential deals for stars like Donovan Mitchell or Trae Young. But such moves are easier said than done.
The Lakers’ limited assets and salary cap constraints could make it difficult to build the kind of “championship-caliber roster” LeBron and Paul are calling for.
View this post on Instagram
The Lakers’ Dilemma: Build for Now or Plan for the Future?
This is the crux of the Lakers’ current predicament. On one hand, you have the greatest player of his generation—possibly all-time—wanting one last dance. On the other, you have a franchise that must think beyond 2025.
Anthony Davis is under contract long-term, and players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura show promise.
But with LeBron turning 41 next season, how much more can the Lakers realistically expect from him? Should they trade away future assets to maximize LeBron’s final years, or should they prepare for life after him?
Potential Destinations: Who Could Land LeBron?
Assuming LeBron does eventually ask out, where could he realistically go?
-
Cleveland Cavaliers – A storybook ending in his hometown would appeal to many, especially if they can field a competitive team around him.
-
Philadelphia 76ers – Pairing LeBron with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey could instantly make them a title contender.
-
Golden State Warriors – A shocking but strategic move. Steph and LeBron teaming up would be historic.
-
New York Knicks – The allure of New York and a rising roster makes this a wildcard pick.
These teams would also need to meet the financial and strategic requirements, but with a generational player like LeBron, exceptions are often made.
Also Read: Brian Windhorst’s Take: Knicks Are a Force to Be Reckoned With if Healthy
