Lakers Want To Keep Their Salary-Sheet Clean For 2026; Plan To Find Luka Doncic's Future Partner In Two Ways
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly committed to keeping their salary sheet clean for the summer of 2026, with a long-term plan that centers around finding Luka Doncic's future co-star. According to Dan Woike, the franchise is positioning itself to make a major move once it gains access to its 2026, 2031, and 2033 first-round picks.
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"Much of the tension appears to stem from the Lakers' desire to keep their salary-cap sheet as clear as possible starting next summer, allowing them to find Luka Doncic's future partner either in free agency or via trade, when they'll have access to use first-round picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033 for a single trade."
That timeline, however, is not sitting well with LeBron James. Despite opting into the final year of his $52.6 million deal, the relationship between LeBron and the Lakers has become strained, with reports suggesting that James feels disrespected by the team's decision to prioritize Doncic's long-term timeline over winning right now.
At the heart of this tension lies a philosophical divide. LeBron, who will turn 41 during the 2025–26 season, wants to maximize what remains of his prime with a championship push.
His agent, Rich Paul, made that clear when James chose to opt in. Paul's statement hinted at an understanding between both parties but also a need to 'evaluate what's best' for LeBron moving forward. For the Lakers, that 'best' apparently involves a future with Doncic as the franchise centerpiece, surrounded by younger stars, and potentially paired with another max-level talent acquired in 2026.
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The Lakers' strategy revolves around flexibility. With no major long-term contracts outside of Doncic, who arrived via trade this offseason, the team wants to maintain cap space and draft capital for 2026, the first offseason where they can package three first-round picks in a single blockbuster deal.
That could be used to acquire Doncic's co-star via trade, or to lure a free agent looking to join one of the game's premier young talents in Los Angeles.
It's a smart long-term play, especially given the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement and its harsh luxury tax penalties. Still, for James, whose clock is ticking, this approach feels like a betrayal of their previous win-now ethos.
James' frustrations are not just based on projections. Over the past 18 months, the cracks have been visible. ESPN reported that LeBron felt the organization's priorities had shifted away from him.
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The front office's refusal to offer a contract extension this summer, combined with their tepid trade efforts, sent a clear message: the franchise is no longer willing to mortgage the future to appease its aging star. For a player who's been the Lakers' engine, face, and savior since 2018, that realization stings.
The Las Vegas Summer League only added to the intrigue. LeBron arrived courtside with family, cheered on Bronny, and interacted with team staff, but the real story was what he didn't say.
There were no public endorsements of the front office, no declarations about 'unfinished business,' and no signals that he's locked in beyond this season. While his presence appeared cordial, the undercurrent of tension remains very real.
In the end, this may come down to irreconcilable timelines. The Lakers want to build for Doncic. LeBron wants to win now. And somewhere between the lines of loyalty, legacy, and long-term planning, the greatest player of this generation may quietly be preparing for his final exit from Los Angeles.
Related: Luka Doncic Confirms He Loves Playing With LeBron James: "It's An Honor To Be His Teammate..."
This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
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