The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be entering a new era as discussions intensify around the future of their star-studded roster. With Luka Doncic back from injury and leading the team to two straight victories, Los Angeles has improved to a 5-2 record early in the season. However, questions remain about whether the current lineup, particularly with 40-year-old LeBron James still sidelined due to sciatica, can deliver another championship. The front office faces a defining decision - stick with its aging icon or build a new dynasty around Doncic, who looks to be entering his prime.
Speculation surrounding a possible major trade has only grown louder after 11-year NBA veteran Austin Rivers publicly suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers should move on from LeBron and build around Doncic. His comments have fueled debate across the league, with some fans agreeing it’s time to plan for the future, while others argue that LeBron’s value on and off the court remains too great to walk away from.
Austin Rivers pushes for a bold move
NBA veteran Austin Rivers recently voiced a controversial opinion that has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. Speaking on his Off Guard with Austin Rivers podcast, Rivers suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers should move on from their legendary forward.
“I would like to move off from this guy and, first off, I’m talking about LeBron,” Rivers said. “I think LeBron James is arguably one of the best players of all time. We don’t need to run through the resume.” (H/t: Sporting News)
Austin Rivers emphasized that while James remains an incredible talent, the direction of the team should now be focused on Doncic. “I think for him to continue to do these things, he has to have the ball in his hands a lot. I don’t know if you’ve watched Luka (Doncic), I want the ball in that guy’s hands. I’m building for the future.”
A franchise at a turning point
When Los Angeles acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks back in February, it was viewed as a forward-thinking move. The 26-year-old superstar is entering his prime, and his dynamic playmaking has already reignited the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense. Meanwhile, LeBron James - now 40 years old and recovering from a sciatica issue - has yet to make his season debut.
This situation raises tough questions about the team’s long-term strategy. While James’ resume and influence are undeniable, his age and physical limitations make him less central to the Los Angeles Lakers’ future. Austin Rivers went as far as to suggest that trading James could yield a strong return package.
Trade value and timing
LeBron James currently has a contract valued at approximately $101 million, making any trade involving him a blockbuster by default. However, the Los Angeles Lakers would need to move quickly if they plan to execute such a deal before the 2025-26 trade deadline on February 5.
If Los Angeles were to follow Austin Rivers’ recommendation, the franchise could target multiple young players or future draft capital in exchange for James’ services.
Potential trade considerations
Rivers also highlighted the business and branding element James brings to any franchise. “The business he brings in, the money, everything he brings in, I’m sure you could get two to three good players, young players for LeBron James,” he said.
A changing of the guard
For the Los Angeles Lakers, the discussion isn’t just about basketball - it’s about identity. LeBron James has been the face of the franchise since 2018, leading the team to a championship in 2020 and cementing his legacy in Los Angeles. But with Doncic now in purple and gold, the organization could be envisioning a smooth transition into a new era.
If the Lakers do decide to trade James, it would mark the end of one of the most iconic chapters in NBA history while officially passing the torch to Luka Doncic, a generational player ready to lead the next wave of Lakers basketball.
Also read: NBA trade rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to cut ties with $33 Million guard to make room for roster upgrade ahead of deadline
As of now, nothing is official. But with trade rumors heating up and the clock ticking toward February, it’s clear that the Los Angeles Lakers’ front office will soon have to decide between honoring the past and investing fully in the future.
Speculation surrounding a possible major trade has only grown louder after 11-year NBA veteran Austin Rivers publicly suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers should move on from LeBron and build around Doncic. His comments have fueled debate across the league, with some fans agreeing it’s time to plan for the future, while others argue that LeBron’s value on and off the court remains too great to walk away from.
Austin Rivers pushes for a bold move
NBA veteran Austin Rivers recently voiced a controversial opinion that has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. Speaking on his Off Guard with Austin Rivers podcast, Rivers suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers should move on from their legendary forward.
“I would like to move off from this guy and, first off, I’m talking about LeBron,” Rivers said. “I think LeBron James is arguably one of the best players of all time. We don’t need to run through the resume.” (H/t: Sporting News)
Austin Rivers emphasized that while James remains an incredible talent, the direction of the team should now be focused on Doncic. “I think for him to continue to do these things, he has to have the ball in his hands a lot. I don’t know if you’ve watched Luka (Doncic), I want the ball in that guy’s hands. I’m building for the future.”
A franchise at a turning point
When Los Angeles acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks back in February, it was viewed as a forward-thinking move. The 26-year-old superstar is entering his prime, and his dynamic playmaking has already reignited the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense. Meanwhile, LeBron James - now 40 years old and recovering from a sciatica issue - has yet to make his season debut.
This situation raises tough questions about the team’s long-term strategy. While James’ resume and influence are undeniable, his age and physical limitations make him less central to the Los Angeles Lakers’ future. Austin Rivers went as far as to suggest that trading James could yield a strong return package.
Trade value and timing
LeBron James currently has a contract valued at approximately $101 million, making any trade involving him a blockbuster by default. However, the Los Angeles Lakers would need to move quickly if they plan to execute such a deal before the 2025-26 trade deadline on February 5.
If Los Angeles were to follow Austin Rivers’ recommendation, the franchise could target multiple young players or future draft capital in exchange for James’ services.
Potential trade considerations
Rivers also highlighted the business and branding element James brings to any franchise. “The business he brings in, the money, everything he brings in, I’m sure you could get two to three good players, young players for LeBron James,” he said.
A changing of the guard
For the Los Angeles Lakers, the discussion isn’t just about basketball - it’s about identity. LeBron James has been the face of the franchise since 2018, leading the team to a championship in 2020 and cementing his legacy in Los Angeles. But with Doncic now in purple and gold, the organization could be envisioning a smooth transition into a new era.
If the Lakers do decide to trade James, it would mark the end of one of the most iconic chapters in NBA history while officially passing the torch to Luka Doncic, a generational player ready to lead the next wave of Lakers basketball.
Also read: NBA trade rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to cut ties with $33 Million guard to make room for roster upgrade ahead of deadline
As of now, nothing is official. But with trade rumors heating up and the clock ticking toward February, it’s clear that the Los Angeles Lakers’ front office will soon have to decide between honoring the past and investing fully in the future.
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