Lakers Prepared for 41-Year-Old LeBron James Exit After 2025 Luka Doncic Trade
Updated
Updated · New York Post · Jul 5
Lakers Prepared for 41-Year-Old LeBron James Exit After 2025 Luka Doncic Trade
3 articles · Updated · New York Post · Jul 5
Summary
Nearly a week after LeBron James told Los Angeles he would not return next season, Ric Bucher said the Lakers had already planned for that outcome.
Bucher said the franchise began preparing for life after James when it acquired Luka Doncic in 2025, framing the move as the start of a roster built around a new centerpiece.
At 41, James is coming off 60 games with averages of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists, and Bucher argued his age has reduced both his market value and leverage.
The Lakers have already reinforced that direction by re-signing Austin Reaves for four years and $185 million and adding Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton.