LeBron James Predicted to Leave Lakers in Wild Trade Forecast

Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

One of the biggest questions surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason was LeBron James' future with the franchise.

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Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes believes the superstar is bound to leave LA and join a new team.

"The anointment of Luka Dončic, the failure to reach an offseason extension, the refusal of the front office to go all-in for rotation help this past summer—all of it points to a LeBron James exit," Hughes writes.

"While it's true James has non-basketball reasons to remain based in L.A., it's still hard to imagine him accepting status as something other than the most important figure in the franchise for a full year. Especially if the Lakers aren't a top-flight contender."

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Hughes argues the Lakers' lack of moves this summer has given James reason to leave as the Western Conference remains extremely competitive. Additionally, Luka Doncic is now at the forefront of the organization and the front office is focused on building the roster around the 26-year-old.

"Maybe if Los Angeles was loaded with star talent, James could talk himself into accepting a more supplementary role—one that still might evolve into him taking over playoff games in the spring," Hughes added. "But the West is loaded, and the Lakers' decision not to re-up with James suggests they don't even view him as the second star they want next to Dončić whenever the team reaches contention.

"Some of that is understandable given James' age, but the facts are what they are: For the first time, James isn't his team's most valuable asset, and his organization isn't gunning for a title at all costs. That's not going to sit well, and it'll eventually lead to a trade out of town."

The message from the Lakers has been clear: Doncic is the team's next generational star. Therefore, James is now considered more of the supporting cast rather than the face of the franchise.

As James reaches the end of his career, he may want to pursue other avenues in order to win one more championship before he says goodbye to basketball.

The James, Doncic duo in Hollywood is as dynamic as they come, but it may be coming to an end.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.