LeBron James with the LA Lakers seems uncertain as speculations continue in the last year of his contract. On Monday, an NBA insider dropped a bombshell claim, sparking a fresh debate regarding James' future in Los Angeles.
Big claims from NBA insider
Fischer's claim came in his YouTube show, in which he said both the Lakers and James were ready to part ways.
"The Lakers are ready to move on from LeBron James and I think LeBron James is ready to move on from the Lakers as well," Fischer said. “That’s kind of the foregone sentiment in Los Angeles right now about what’s to come this summer."
LeBron James to step away from the NBA?
With his 23rd NBA season going on, many expect that this could be LeBron's final season in the NBA. While he is yet to make an announcement, one thing seems likely: his time in Los Angeles is coming to an end.
Is Luka Doncic Lebron James' successor at the Lakers?
Luka Doncic has been considered as LeBron James' long term replacement, with the franchise rebuilding around the Slovenian star. On the other hand, LeBron James has been given a reduced role, averaging a career-low 33.1 minutes per game, and is not considered as the third option after Doncic and Austin Reaves.
LeBron James's instant impact at the La Lakers
After joining the Lakers in 2019, James had been the main man, leading them to their first NBA title after the Kobe era. However, things took a turn this season, and if Fischer's claims are true, we could be witnessing an end to James' legendary career.
LeBron James opens up on leaving NBA
Despite not announcing his retirement, the 2025-26 season looks like a last dance for Lebron James. The star is yet to sign a contract extension with the Lakers and has not offered a definitive response when inquired about his future in the NBA.
On Sunday, James and the Lakers traveled to New York to lock horns with the Knicks with James opening up on what could be his last appearance at Madison Square Garden.
"I mean, everything has to come to an end at some point," James said (Timestamp: 0:10). "No matter what it is like, it's going to be something like 'S*it I am never going to play at Madison Square Garden, I'll never play again in certain arenas ... it doesn't matter, you are going to miss it at some point."
If it was indeed his last appearance at MSG, it ended on a bad note, as the Lakers faced 112-100 defeat against the Knicks.