The Los Angeles Lakers are no longer LeBron James’ team, and with every update, the gulf between him and Luka Doncic seems to be getting bigger.
That’s not to say that James and Doncic are on bad terms. In fact, the opposite seems to be true. However, James has quickly gone from the first option to 1-B, to the clear-cut second-best player on his team.
Add in that he will miss the first two weeks of the regular season with injury, and suddenly, the Lakers should be less inclined to keep investing in him.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 06: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball defended by Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on March 06, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LeBron James to End 21-Season Streak
Starting in the 2023-24 season, players had to appear in 65 contests to be considered for season awards and All-NBA nods. Since then, James has appeared in 71 and 70 games, keeping alive his 21-season streak of All-NBA nods.
James is expected to miss between five and ten games to start the season. On top of that, he will be under serious load management all year long. The chances of him meeting the threshold seem slim.
“How does this affect All-NBA?” asked Sports Illustrated’s Rachel Nichols. “Because it’s a 65-game minimum. You’d have to think he’s probably going to miss some other games this season. The Lakers have talked about not having him play as much during the regular season, more of a minutes restriction, maybe not going every game that he possibly could go.”
Before the 65-game rule was introduced, James made four All-NBA teams while falling short of the mark. His ability to prove that he’s still an elite player has helped ensure he is always paid a maximum salary.
“The fact that he is still, quote, ‘playing at an All-NBA level,’ that he made All-NBA last year, that has been a real calling card of ‘no, no, LeBron’s still good, right? He still deserves that big salary that he wants,’” Nichols added. “Well, it’s going to be hard for him to make All-NBA if you start out the season missing that many games.”
If James can be healthy in the playoffs and not make the All-NBA team, that would be the perfect scenario for the Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers Can Easily Re-Sign James
James will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, and every team with cap space will be lining up to sign him. If he plays in 65 games, it stands to reason that the media will vote him to a 22nd All-NBA team, mostly out of respect.
If he’s coming off a season where there is concrete evidence that he is a top-15 player still, he can command maximum money.
The Lakers have been urged to keep James, although shelling out over $50 million for a player in his 40s is asinine. James is unlikely to accept a veteran minimum out of pride, although if his age catches up to him and affects his durability, he will have less bargaining power.
Excluding James’s salary, the Lakers have about $44.1 million coming off the books next summer. Most of that will probably go to re-signing Austin Reaves, who will also be a free agent. After that, there should be enough to pay James what he’s worth.
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