The LeBron James era has come to an end for the Lakers. After eight seasons in Los Angeles, including a championship in 2020, James has informed the Lakers that he will play for another team for the 2026-27 NBA season.
The Lakers had interest in retaining James, but the NBA’s all-time leading scorer decided to take his talents elsewhere.
LeBron James’ Departure Is a Positive for Lakers
It may sound crazy, but this is good for the Lakers.
The Lakers prioritized signing 27-year-old Luka Doncic and 28-year-old Austin Reaves to long-term deals this past year. Doncic’s new contract runs through 2028, while Reaves is under contract through 2030 with a player option in the final season. James no longer fits the timeline of the Lakers’ young backcourt at nearly 42 years old.
James’ departure gives the Lakers the flexibility they need to build around Doncic and Reaves.
The duo is one of the league’s most explosive offensive pairings. They combined for 53.3 points and 12.5 assists per game in the 67 games they have played together. Their biggest weakness is on the defensive end.
And with former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart declining his player option and testing free agency, the Lakers should target players who complement their backcourt.
They do not have the assets to retool on the trade market. They don’t own their first-round picks in 2027 or 2029 and have few players with significant trade value. That makes free agency their best path to improving the roster.
Acquiring a two-way lob threat should be the Lakers’ top priority. This center archetype has proven to be the best complement to Doncic throughout his career.
Walker Kessler, 24, and Jalen Duren, 22, fit that mold perfectly.
Both centers are restricted free agents and have publicly expressed that they are interested in testing free agency.
With James on the move, the Lakers are in a position to pursue their center of the future.
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