As LeBron James enters his 22nd NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers may be rethinking their approach to the four-time MVP’s role in their long-term plans.
According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, recent conversations around the organization hint at a significant change in how the Lakers are now viewing their franchise icon.
James, who opted out of the final year of his $51.4 million contract, is widely expected to re-sign with the Lakers.
However, Windhorst‘s comments on ESPN’s “Get Up” this week suggest a shift in tone from the franchise, indicating that James may no longer be seen as a long-term centerpiece, but rather as a player on a year-to-year basis.
Changing tone from the Lakers front office
Windhorst pointed to a noticeable lack of fanfare surrounding LeBron‘s recent contract decision, a stark contrast to the Lakers’ past treatment of his milestones and signings.
“Last year, when LeBron signed a contract extension, Rob Pelinka had about a 115-word quote talking about how wonderful LeBron James is and what he means to the Lakers and what he means to their franchise,” Windhorst noted on Monday’s episode of Get Up. “Yesterday, there was no statement.”
That absence of a statement may be symbolic of the Lakers‘ evolving strategy. While James has been the face of the franchise since his arrival in 2018, delivering an NBA championship in 2020, his future in purple and gold is now being viewed through a different lens.
“My conversations over the last 3 days have crystallized that the Lakers are essentially viewing LeBron as an expiring contract,” Windhorst said. “I’m just unlocking the door because I am not as convinced as before if it’s impossibility.”
What this means for LeBron and the Lakers
If Windhorst‘s reporting proves accurate, it could signal a seismic shift in how the Lakers approach the coming years.
Rather than building exclusively around James, the front office may now be preparing for life after LeBron, focusing more on younger talent and future flexibility.
This outlook comes at a time when the Lakers are under pressure to improve after a disappointing early playoff exit. Though LeBron remains highly productive, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds last season, age and long-term planning are likely factors in the team’s more reserved stance.
Additionally, LeBron has expressed a strong desire to play with his son, Bronny James, who the Lakers recently selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. The possibility that LeBron could leave Los Angeles to follow his son to another team might also be contributing to the organization’s caution.
Whether LeBron re-signs for one more season or negotiates a multi-year deal, Windhorst’s report underscores a new reality: the Lakers are no longer all-in on LeBron for the long haul. And for a player who has been synonymous with dominance for two decades, that’s a dramatic shift in narrative.
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