The Los Angeles Lakers are starting this season with more questions than answers. LeBron James is still recovering from a sciatica injury, and according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the team’s performance in the first few weeks could decide how long he stays in purple and gold.
On The Hoop Collective podcast, Windhorst said that a slow start might push the Lakers to think about something fans have never imagined: a possible LeBron trade. “If they’re winning early, this never comes up,” he said. “But if they’re underachieving after 25 games, the front office may have to look at every option.”
James will miss the opening stretch of his 23rd NBA season, leaving Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to lead the offense. Los Angeles faces the Golden State Warriors in its season opener on October 21, and expectations remain sky-high after last year’s early playoff exit.
The challenge is more than just injuries. Many of the Lakers’ role players are on short-term contracts, and few are guaranteed beyond this season. Windhorst pointed out that the team’s core lacks long-term security, which could push management to consider bold moves if things start to fall apart.
LeBron’s Future Could Depend on the Lakers’ First 25 Games
At 40 years old, James hasn’t made any public statements about how much longer he plans to play in Los Angeles. His agent, Rich Paul, told Sports Illustrated that his future depends on the team’s competitiveness this year. Translation: if the Lakers aren’t winning, the door might be open.
If they’re underachieving after 25 games, the front office may have to look at every option.
Around the league, executives are watching closely. According to Golden State of Mind, the Warriors have already reached out to the Lakers about LeBron’s availability. While no deal is close, those quiet phone calls show that even rival teams believe the situation could shift quickly.
If the Lakers start the season strong, the talk will fade. But if they struggle early, the front office could be forced to think beyond loyalty and legacy. Moving LeBron James would be shocking, yet it might also mark the beginning of a new era built around Doncic and the next generation.
For now, the pressure is on. The first 25 games could decide everything.
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