When LeBron James chose to leave Cleveland and take his talents to Los Angeles in 2018, it wasn’t just a blockbuster free agency move-it was a seismic shift in NBA power dynamics. He was still the best player on the planet, fresh off eight straight Finals appearances, and he walked into a Lakers franchise that was, frankly, floundering.
The team hadn’t sniffed the playoffs in five years and was coming off its worst stretch in franchise history. LeBron didn’t just join the Lakers-he resuscitated them.
But nearly eight years later, it’s becoming clear that the impact of that decision-and of LeBron’s presence in L.A.-might not be fully appreciated within the organization itself.
A recent report sheds new light on the evolving internal dynamics between LeBron and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. According to the report, Buss wasn’t entirely comfortable with how James was perceived upon his arrival. Specifically, there was reported discomfort with the narrative that LeBron was the one who chose the Lakers-not the other way around-and that he was being hailed as the savior of a struggling franchise.
Let’s call it what it is: that’s a tough pill to swallow for any ownership group, especially one overseeing a storied franchise like the Lakers. But it’s also hard to argue with the results.
LeBron came in, elevated the team, and within two seasons, they were champions again. That 2020 title-won in the bubble under extraordinary circumstances-wasn’t just a blip.
It was a reminder of what greatness can do when it walks through the door.
Still, the tension behind the scenes reportedly reached a point where major decisions-like not extending LeBron’s contract earlier or even exploring trade possibilities-were at least discussed. Nothing came of it, but the fact that such conversations were even on the table says a lot about how rocky things had become.
Now, fast forward to the present: LeBron is under contract through the 2025-26 season, with a $52.6 million max deal set to expire that summer. That makes him an unrestricted free agent in 2026. And while nothing is set in stone, all signs continue to point toward a potential homecoming in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers have quietly remained in the picture as a logical next step for LeBron, should he decide to move on from L.A. It’s not just a sentimental fit-it’s a basketball one. The Cavs have built a strong young core and could be positioned to make a serious push if they were to bring James back into the fold.
And then there’s the recent comment from Rich Paul, LeBron’s longtime agent, which added another layer of tension to the Lakers dynamic. Combine that with the latest reporting, and it’s not hard to envision a scenario where both sides are preparing for a mutual parting of ways.
None of this is to say LeBron’s time in Los Angeles hasn’t been successful-it absolutely has. But as he approaches the twilight of his career, it’s fair to wonder whether the Lakers still see him as central to their future plans.
Because make no mistake: LeBron James still has plenty of game left. He’s not just playing out the string; he’s still impacting winning at a high level.
If the Lakers aren’t fully on board with that reality, there’s a franchise back in Ohio that almost certainly is.