Moving on from LeBron James gave the Lakers the financial freedom to commit fully to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
The Los Angeles Lakers did not move on from LeBron James because he could no longer help them win.
They did it because of two possible reasons: keeping him at a significant salary would have complicated their attempt to build a long-term contender, or maybe it was just time to move on and make way for the Luka Dončić era.
Maybe we'll never know until James retires.
James remained productive during his final season in Los Angeles, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games. Even at 41, he was one of the Lakers’ most important players.
May 5, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forwardLeBronJames(23) looks towards his bench after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesHis value was not the primary issue. His age, salary and place in the franchise’s timeline were.
“What they were trying to do was put a long-term core in place around Luka and Austin Reaves, and to do that, you couldn’t have LeBron making a bunch of money,” Ben McMahon said. “Now, why didn’t LeBron take the minimum from the Lakers? That’s a whole different story.”
Lakers chose their next era
James’ departure allowed the Lakers to make Dončić the unquestioned center of the organization.
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Rami Malek (left), Los Angeles Lakers forwardLeBronJames(center) and head coachJJRedickwatch in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThey also re-signed Reaves to a four-year, $185 million maximum contract and acquired Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz. Kessler agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal, giving L.A. a young defensive anchor to place beside its two lead guards.
Those commitments made it increasingly difficult to keep James at a salary matching his stature. The Lakers wanted younger, more athletic players who could grow around Dončić rather than another short-term roster constructed to maximize the final stage of James’ career.
L.A. subsequently added Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle. The franchise exchanged continuity for depth and flexibility, assembling a roster with 11 new faces.
James could have remained part of that transition on a minimum contract, but such an agreement would have required one of the greatest players in NBA history to accept a salary and role far below his previous standing.
May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forwardLebronJames(23) prior to game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn ImagesHe instead signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
James will face the Lakers for the first time in eight years as an opponent in a Christmas Day showdown.
A difficult but defensible decision
Saying the Lakers had a clear reason to move on does not mean James was the problem.
He helped restore the franchise after six consecutive seasons outside the playoffs, led the Lakers to the 2020 championship and became the NBA’s career scoring leader while wearing purple and gold. His eight seasons in Los Angeles materially changed the organization.
The Lakers’ responsibility, however, was to determine what came next.
Dončić is entering his prime, Reaves is signed through at least 2029 and Kessler gives the team a long-term answer at center. Retaining James on another expensive contract would have limited the Lakers’ ability to build around that core.
There is still significant risk. The revamped roster must establish chemistry, Kessler must stay healthy and Dončić must carry the responsibility that once belonged to James.
Los Angeles did not decide James was incapable of contributing. It decided its future could no longer depend on him.
