Lakers LeBron James set to making Shocking Decision that wound left Lakers terrified
The Los Angeles Lakers appear to have laid the foundation for a future without LeBron James during the 2023–24 NBA season, subtly shifting their focus toward a long-term vision. While the franchise hasn’t outright declared the end of the LeBron era, its recent moves suggest a calculated approach to life after their superstar inevitably moves on.
One potential turning point in this transition is the speculation surrounding Luka Dončić. Acquiring a generational talent like Dončić might not have been part of the original blueprint, but when a player of his caliber becomes available — whether now or in the near future — teams like the Lakers have no choice but to pounce. Championship windows are short, and elite players don’t come around often. That’s why the Lakers may already be shifting priorities — aiming to preserve salary cap space and build flexibility for what could be a pivotal free agency period.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Lakers’ front office is already eyeing the summers of 2026 and 2027 as key opportunities to reload the roster — possibly without LeBron in the picture. Speaking on The Hoops Collective, Windhorst pointed out that despite public speculation focusing on 2027 as a target year, the Lakers’ actual behavior reveals that 2026 is also firmly in their sights:
> “I know some people have been talking about the Lakers looking at 2027 as like a big free agent year. Well, their actions are indicating that they’re also eyeing 2026,” Windhorst said.
Further fueling this narrative is the nature of recent contract discussions — or lack thereof — between the team and LeBron. According to Windhorst, the Lakers never made a push to secure James for additional years during recent talks. Instead of re-upping with a new multi-year deal, LeBron simply exercised his player option for the upcoming season — a move that may not have been his first choice, but potentially the only viable option given the Lakers’ stance.
Windhorst elaborated on this dynamic, noting that there’s a difference between what teams officially “ask” for and what they internally “want”:
> “Everybody’s got their story. The LeBron James side is very clear that they [the Lakers] didn’t ask for extra years. I’m skeptical of that. Whether they asked for it or whether they wanted it are two different things,” he explained. “The Lakers don’t have LeBron under contract beyond next season, and the deals they have signed are already protecting cap space for next year.”
It’s a telling sign. LeBron James, one of the most influential figures in basketball history, may no longer be central to the Lakers’ long-term strategy. And that has implications for how the team operates moving forward.
This offseason, LeBron and his agent Rich Paul reportedly ramped up pressure on Lakers GM Rob Pelinka to construct a championship-level roster. The expectation from their side was clear: contend now or risk losing LeBron’s commitment. However, based on the Lakers’ cap-conscious moves, they seem increasingly comfortable with the possibility that James could walk away — and they might even be preparing for that exact scenario.
Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen. But what is clear is that the Lakers are playing the long game — one that could involve a major free agent splash in 2026 or 2027. Should Luka Dončić become available around that time, the Lakers want to be in position to make a blockbuster move.
For now, LeBron remains a Laker. But if their strategic maneuvering is any indication, the franchise is already preparing for a post-LeBron era — and possibly a new face of the franchise to lead them into the next chapter.