For months, publicly and privately, the Lakers have been signaling their desire to begin the Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles, even if it meant ending the LeBron James one.

The Los Angeles Lakers had a clear priority going into free agency: to find a rim-protecting, lob-threat center — and that’s exactly what they got last week, signing 26-year-old and 2018 No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal.

LeBron James is potentially on the trade block as his situation with the Lakers is in a big question mark for the time being. The Lakers could pull the trigger on a trade for Luka Doncic another big man.

Deandre Ayton has joined the Los Angeles Lakers, expressing his excitement about playing alongside Luka Doncic. Ayton signed a two-year, $16.6 million contract after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Los Angeles Lakers may be on high alert as Luka Doncic's thought process on his future may be different than expected.

LeBron James accomplished one of his stated career goals last season, and it was perhaps one of his most impressive. In his 22nd season, James was able to suit up and play alongside his son, Bronny, for the Los Angeles Lakers. And after picking up his player option last week it seems James will do so again in the 2025–26 campaign.

Most around the NBA seem to believe LeBron James isn’t going anywhere. After exercising a $52.6 million player option before the start of free agency, he is likely to stay put and play for the Los Angeles Lakers.