The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be positioning themselves for a future without LeBron James, despite the superstar exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
For the first time in his career, the franchise has chosen not to offer James an extension, creating speculation about the organization’s long-term commitment to their aging star.
The Lakers’ silence regarding James’ future has caught the attention of analysts across the league.
Fox Sports’ Doug Gottlieb recently offered his perspective on the situation during his show.
“Why would the Lakers go from ‘we want to go all-in on LeBron’ to selling the team, and they don’t even call him? My best guess is the ‘LeBron thing is a lot.’ It wears you down. I think the Lakers are just done with it,” Gottlieb said.
“Why would the Lakers go from ‘we want to go all-in on LeBron’ to selling the team, and they don’t even call him? My best guess is the ‘LeBron thing is a lot.’ It wears you down…I think the Lakers are just done with it.”
🎙️@GottliebShow pic.twitter.com/ZK52oKdlpX
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) July 12, 2025
Gottlieb suggests the organization has grown tired of the constant demands that come with managing James.
The analyst points to years of roster construction centered around James’ preferences, including the push for Russell Westbrook over DeMar DeRozan, as evidence of how the franchise has catered to their star player.
The cycling through coaches who struggled to navigate the dynamics surrounding James has also contributed to organizational fatigue, according to Gottlieb.
He believes the front office has grown weary of feeling like James was controlling team decisions from behind the scenes.
Even Bronny James’ presence has reportedly created friction within the organization, with some questioning the handling of his G League development.
Gottlieb frames this as part of a broader pattern where James’ influence eventually becomes overwhelming for organizations.
The irony, according to Gottlieb, lies in how James seems unsettled by the Lakers’ recent silence, mirroring his own approach to wielding power when situations no longer serve his interests.
NEXT: Lakers Could Make Big Decision With LeBron James In 2026
