LeBron James‘ latest health setback has not only sidelined him from the Los Angeles Lakers‘ training camp but also reignited speculation about his long-term future with the franchise.
One prominent NBA reporter believes the four-time MVP‘s absence could spark serious questions about whether he’ll finish his career in Los Angeles, or whether he will be traded to a new destination.
ESPN‘s Dave McMenamin reported Thursday that James is currently dealing with sciatica, a nerve-related issue that will keep him out for an estimated three to four weeks.
The 23-year veteran, who has yet to participate in training camp, does not have a confirmed timetable for return. His new head coach, JJ Redick, told reporters the same day that James is on “his own timeline.”
However, McMenamin‘s follow-up comments on NBA Today Friday suggested that the consequences of this injury could extend far beyond the court and into the 40-year-old’s very future in the sport.
“LeBron [James] is gonna be watching this team while he’s out,” McMenamin said. “And if while he’s out and they’re struggling, that could lead to the next step that we could see at some point this season.
“The priority at this stage is to win. If they’re not winning, maybe he’s gonna have to go elsewhere to find that winning combination.”
Why could LeBron James quit the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Lakers‘ front office has reportedly shifted toward a younger, retooled roster in the offseason, centered around Luka Doncic, who signed a three-year, $160.8 million extension in August.
The team also added veterans Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart in hopes of establishing a new core capable of contending in the Western Conference in the 2025/26 NBA season.
McMenamin explained that if the Lakers falter without James early in the season, the situation could prompt the 39-year-old to consider a trade or buyout.
His contract includes a no-trade clause, meaning any move would require his personal approval, giving him significant control over his destination.
The ESPN analyst also revisited a June report by The Athletic‘s Shams Charania, which cited James‘ agent, Rich Paul, emphasizing that “winning” remains LeBron‘s top priority.
McMenamin noted that if Los Angeles struggles to remain competitive, the NBA‘s all-time leading scorer could “negotiate a trade or a buyout” to pursue another championship opportunity.
Yet, options for such a move are limited. A hypothetical return to Cleveland, McMenamin noted, “would need to send out nearly $90 million in salaries” whilst those same financial restrictions would also make it difficult for other contending teams such as the New York Knicks or Golden State Warriors.
For now, the most practical outcome appears to be James finishing his contract in Los Angeles as he awaits for the start of the NBA season for him.
McMenamin concluded that “LeBron James‘ best option might be to play out his contract with the LA Lakers and hopefully win a championship along the way.”
Read the full article here
