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Lakers Commit to Doncic-Centered Rebuild as LeBron James Weighs Final Contract Year

LeBron James is set to spend his final contract season evaluating the Lakers’ roster upgrades following the signing of Deandre Ayton.

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Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob talks with Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant (35) before the start of the season opener at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Photo by Ray Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images)

Overview

  • LeBron James opted into his $56.2 million player option for 2025-26 and tasked agent Rich Paul with monitoring the Lakers’ offseason to decide his next steps.
  • Paul confirmed no trade discussions have occurred despite inquiries from at least four teams gauging James’s availability.
  • L.A. addressed its center void by signing Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million deal aimed at bolstering interior defense.
  • The front office’s strategy shift to build around Luka Doncic marks a reorientation of franchise leadership from James toward its 25-year-old point guard.
  • Reports of tension between James, teammate Austin Reaves and new acquisition Doncic have fueled calls—including from Kendrick Perkins—for LeBron to reassess the roster by training camp.