A Los Angeles Lakers group supply described inside remorse over how the franchise dealt with the ultimate section of its partnership with LeBron James because the staff shifted towards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The feedback come after James left the Lakers after eight seasons and enter free company for the 2026–27 season.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that one Lakers staffer believed the group fell brief in recognizing James’ willingness to cede management of the roster path. The supply framed it as a uncommon misstep for a franchise lengthy recognized for star administration throughout its transition interval.
“Truthfully, I don’t know if we did sufficient to acknowledge the sacrifices he made in being keen to offer the keys over,” the staffer mentioned, including James “tried to do what was finest for the staff to win,” in line with Shelburne.
James’ departure was confirmed after Klutch Sports activities CEO Wealthy Paul knowledgeable the Lakers that the 41-year-old supposed to proceed his profession elsewhere in 2026–27. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the communication got here earlier than free company, permitting the entrance workplace to proceed with roster planning.
On the courtroom, James nonetheless produced at a excessive stage in 2025–26, averaging 20.9 factors, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds whereas taking pictures 51.5% in 60 video games for the Los Angeles Lakers. The staff completed 53–29, received the Pacific Division, and reached the Western Convention semifinals.
That postseason ended with a 4–0 loss to the eventual conference finalist Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers’ offense was led by Doncic, who posted 33.5 factors, 8.3 assists and seven.7 rebounds in his first full season in Los Angeles after becoming a member of because the franchise’s new centerpiece.
The organizational shift had already been signaled internally. Doncic averaged 33.5 factors per sport and completed fourth in MVP voting, whereas Reaves signed a four-year, $185 million extension after posting 23.3 factors and 5.5 assists per sport, solidifying the second core piece.
