After nearly two decades of dominance, LeBron James may be facing an uncomfortable truth: the Lakers appear ready to move on.
Despite putting up All-NBA numbers at 40 years old, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, James is reportedly being pushed out of the Lakers’ long-term plans. His $52.6 million contract is set to expire after the 2025-26 season, and the front office has shown little interest in offering an extension. Instead, their sights are now fixed on a younger star: Luka Doncic.
Behind the scenes, the change has been palpable. Sources suggest James has been left out of key team meetings, including strategic discussions and even briefings about the franchise’s ownership change to billionaire Mark Walter.
In contrast, Doncic, the presumed future face of the team, was reportedly kept in the loop. LeBron’s exclusion is unusual, and telling. The Lakers aren’t just building toward the future; they’re doing so without him.
The shift hasn’t gone unnoticed by James, who posted a strongly worded message on Instagram:
“Say whatever you want but you damn sure won’t be able to say I didn’t put in the WORK!!. We’ll see what happens when I no longer exist. Man F this Shhhhhh.”
This wasn’t just frustration, it was a clear statement. Insiders say the post came after the Lakers ignored his input on roster decisions, opting instead to align with Doncic’s timeline. The message was blunt: don’t forget what I’ve done when I’m no longer here.
LeBron’s power play beyond the court
What comes next may define LeBron’s post-NBA legacy. While many focus on where he’ll end his playing career, James may already be building something far bigger. This summer, he and longtime business partner Maverick Carter were photographed aboard a yacht with Nikola Jokic’s agent, Misko Raznatovic. The caption? “Big plans for fall 2026!”
Those plans reportedly include a $5 billion international basketball league that would span cities like Singapore, Macau, and several European capitals. This venture, distinct from the NBA, would offer equity to players, something current league rules prohibit. With funding from sovereign wealth funds, including Middle Eastern backers, the project could create an entirely new model of pro basketball. And LeBron wouldn’t just be a player, he’d be an owner.
The NBA is reportedly nervous. Commissioner Adam Silver has been exploring a European league of his own, but LeBron’s global ambition may outpace the league’s plans. If Jokic or other stars join him, it could pose a serious challenge.
For the Lakers, letting LeBron walk might look like a cost-saving measure today, but if he becomes the architect of a global basketball revolution, they’ll have let more than just a player go. They’ll have let a visionary slip away.
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