The Los Angeles Lakers have a difficult offseason decision to make on LeBron James’ future, but things will be different even if he returns. Head coach JJ Redick convinced him to be the number three option this season behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. It was working swimmingly until both Doncic and Reaves were injured in the same game. That shifted back into LeBron’s team. He won them a playoff series, but fans won’t get to see it again in Los Angeles.
King James averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals playing 38.4 minutes per game in the playoffs. This was after he played the fewest minutes per game and had his lowest scoring average since his rookie campaign in 2004. The superstar who brought LA a title in 2020 returned in the most important games, but it was a short-lived final glimpse for fans.
LeBron is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the Lakers didn’t try to extend him. They want to build around their roster around Luka. Fans can’t believe what they are doing to James, but it is time to accept reality.
LeBron James’ Lakers are over.
Los Angeles isn’t building around LeBron. He will be the number three option behind Doncic and Reaves if he returns next season. King James is signing up for that role the moment he puts pen to paper. It will likely come with a pay cut and foreign responsibilities for arguably the greatest player of all time.
Let’s break down why the Lakers have moved on, what LeBron proved in the playoffs, and whether the King will accept his new role – or take his talents elsewhere.
The Role Change: From Alpha to Number Three
Let’s start with the seismic shift that happened this season.
JJ Redick, in his first year as head coach, convinced LeBron James to accept a reduced role. LeBron would be the number three option behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. For the first time in his career, LeBron wasn’t the focal point of the offense.
And it worked.
From February 28 to April 1, the Lakers won 16 of 18 games. During that stretch, LeBron averaged 17.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 6.9 rebounds. He shot 56% from the field and 38.5% from three. He was efficient. He was effective. He was the best version of a role player the NBA has ever seen.
But then the injuries happened. Doncic and Reaves went down in the same game. LeBron had to revert to his old role. He carried the Lakers past the Rockets in the first round. He reminded everyone that he’s still capable of greatness.
But that was a glimpse, not a preview. When Doncic and Reaves are healthy, the offense runs through them. LeBron is the third option.
The Numbers: What LeBron Did in the Playoffs
Let’s look at LeBron’s playoff production.
In the first round against Houston, LeBron averaged:
23.2 points per game
7.3 assists per game
6.7 rebounds per game
1.3 steals per game
38.4 minutes per game
Those are All-NBA numbers. Those are star numbers. Those are the numbers of a player who can still carry a team.
But context matters. LeBron only had to carry because Doncic and Reaves were hurt. In the regular season, when everyone was healthy, LeBron’s scoring average dropped to 20.9 – his lowest since his rookie year.
The Lakers don’t need LeBron to be the alpha. They need him to be the greatest role player of all time.
The Luka Era: A New Face of the Franchise
Let’s talk about the man who changed everything.
When the Lakers traded Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic, the balance of power shifted. Doncic is 27. He’s a top-5 player. He’s the future of the franchise. LeBron is 41. He’s a legend, but he’s not the future.
The Lakers are building around Doncic. That’s not a secret. That’s not a slight against LeBron. It’s just reality.
Doncic runs the offense. He makes the decisions. He has a say in personnel matters. For the first time in his eight-year Lakers tenure, LeBron is not the man in charge.
The Austin Reaves Ascension: From Underdog to Co-Star
Let’s talk about Austin Reaves.
Reaves averaged 23.3 points per game this season. That’s more than LeBron’s 20.9. Reaves is 28 years old. He’s entering his prime. He’s a legitimate co-star.
When Doncic and Reaves are both healthy, they are the Lakers’ top two options. LeBron is third.
That’s not a demotion. It’s a recognition of reality. Reaves has earned his role. He’s a better scorer at this stage. He’s younger. He’s healthier.
LeBron has accepted that. He’s embraced it. He’s been a professional.
The Chris Bosh Comparison: A Role LeBron Knows Well
Let’s look at NBA history.
When LeBron joined the Miami Heat, Chris Bosh became the third option. Bosh was an All-Star. He was a max player. But he sacrificed for the good of the team.
When LeBron returned to Cleveland, Kevin Love became the third option. Love was an All-Star. He was a max player. But he sacrificed.
Now, LeBron is in that role. He’s the third option. He’s the one sacrificing.
It’s a full-circle moment. The player who asked others to sacrifice is now being asked to sacrifice himself.
The Pay Cut Question: Would LeBron Take Less?
Let’s talk about money.
LeBron made $52.6 million this season. He’s never taken a significant pay cut. He’s always believed he’s worth every penny.
But the Lakers need cap space. They need to re-sign role players. They need to add shooting and defense.
If LeBron wants to stay, he’ll have to take less. Not a little less – a lot less. The Lakers would likely offer him something in the $20-30 million range.
Would LeBron accept that? It would be a departure from everything he’s done in his career. But it might be his only option.
The Free Agency Reality: No Max Deals Elsewhere
Let’s look at LeBron’s market.
The New York Knicks are rolling. They’re not breaking up their core for a 42-year-old. The Cleveland Cavaliers are contenders, but they don’t have cap space. The Golden State Warriors are focused on bigger swings.
There’s no team willing to give LeBron a max contract. The market has spoken.
If LeBron wants to play next season, his best option is to stay in Los Angeles – on a discounted deal.
What LeBron Proved: He Can Still Be Great (In Spurts)
Let’s not forget what LeBron showed in the playoffs.
He dominated the Rockets. He looked like vintage LeBron. He reminded everyone that he’s still capable of greatness.
But that greatness came at a cost. He played 38 minutes per game. He carried the load. He was exhausted.
The Lakers don’t need LeBron to do that every night. They need him to do it occasionally – when Doncic or Reaves is out. They need him to be the safety valve, not the engine.
That’s a different role. But it’s a role LeBron can excel in.
The Legacy Factor: One More Title or One More Year?
Let’s zoom out.
LeBron has nothing left to prove. He’s the all-time leading scorer. He has four championships. He’s a Lakers legend. His legacy is secure.
But he’s also a competitor. He wants to win. He wants to add to his legacy.
If LeBron stays in Los Angeles, he has a chance to win another title. The Lakers, when healthy, are contenders. Doncic and Reaves are stars. The supporting cast can be built around them.
If LeBron leaves, he’s chasing money or a starring role. Neither will lead to a championship.
The choice is clear.
The Los Angeles Lakers are no longer LeBron James’ team. They are Luka Doncic’s team. Austin Reaves is the co-star. LeBron is the third option.
That’s not a demotion. It’s an evolution.
LeBron proved in the playoffs that he can still be great. He carried the Lakers past the Rockets. He reminded everyone of his brilliance.
But that’s not the role the Lakers need him to play. They need him to be the greatest role player in NBA history – efficient, unselfish, and ready to step up when called upon.
LeBron has a decision to make. He can accept his new role, take a pay cut, and chase another title. Or he can leave, chase money, and play out his final years on a mediocre team.
The ball is in his court.
But one thing is clear: the era of LeBron James as the King of LA is over.
And that’s okay. Every dynasty ends. Every torch gets passed.
Luka Doncic is the future. LeBron James is the legend.
Now, we wait to see if the legend will accept his new role – or ride off into the sunset.