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Lakers Logo and LeBron James

Everything seemed calm in the relationship between LeBron James and the Lakers heading into the start of 2025 NBA free agency, as The King had decided to play one more season with the Los Angeles team by exercising his $52.6 million player option. But then…

Suddenly, news broke about a Lakers decision that could lead LeBron to change teams. Uh-oh! Here are the facts: Free agency has begun for the 2025–26 season, and the California team’s first signing has already been revealed.

According to ESPN reporter Ramona Shelburne, if her premise is accurate, LeBron James was not consulted about the arrival of Jake LaRavia, because the Lakers reportedly decided not to involve him in roster decisions this year. That already sparked some buzz about the state of their relationship.

Although reporter Shams Charania stated that “LeBron James understands that the Lakers are prioritizing the future in ways that really focus on Luka Dončić, and he knows they will go after younger players at various points,” there is now a decision that could result in a blockbuster trade in the NBA.

The Lakers’ decision that could push LeBron James to leave the team in the NBA

LeBron James and the Lakers logo
(Photo: Getty Images and private archive)

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers are being disciplined in their negotiations to bring in reinforcements because they want to maximize their salary cap space for 2027, aiming to pursue a major star in free agency that year. This is a decision that could prompt LeBron James to change teams, because, as Shams Charania reported:

“At this point in his career, at age 40 and approaching 41, he wants to compete for a championship — whether it’s in Los Angeles or somewhere else, there are conversations to be had.”

This is What LeBron Decided After Seeing the Lakers Aren’t Pursuing Star Reinforcements

Seeing that the Lakers are saving money and cap space to go after a star only in 2027, Shams Charania of ESPN reported:

“LeBron James is closely evaluating how things are progressing with the Lakers and where he’d like his career to go — wherever he might have two or three years left to play.”