When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in the blockbuster trade ahead of last year's deadline, it was a passing of the torch. LeBron James had been the face of the franchise for years, but now it's Doncic's turn.

The Los Angeles Lakers' longterm relationship with LeBron James appears to be nearing the end of its rope as the superstar heads into his age-41 season in 2025-26, which is also his final contract year with the NBA's signature franchise.