There have been rumors about LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers many times during his tenure with the team, but they are rarely ever taken seriously.

Is it time for people to actually consider what was once viewed as impossible?

According to Shams Charania, via Legion Hoops, James will “look to finish his career with another team if he feels he can’t compete for a championship with the Lakers.”

This is the biggest indication yet that James might leave Los Angeles before he retires.

LeBron James will look to finish his career with another team if he feels he can’t compete for a championship with the Lakers, per @ShamsCharania

It could really be happening. pic.twitter.com/ArZayvpSs1

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 1, 2025

It felt like James would never depart from the Lakers and would happily retire from the game while wearing purple and gold.

And while that is still the most likely scenario, there is a chance that he leaves if he feels the team isn’t poised to take a title.

This news means the team’s front office needs to get to work quickly in order to fill the voids in the roster.

First and foremost, they have to find a suitable and reliable frontcourt presence, a big man who can stay healthy and chip in a lot.

They are still hurting after the loss of Anthony Davis, even though they now have Luka Doncic in the lineup.

So far, the Lakers haven’t done much during free agency, but will that change after this news about James?

Losing him would be massively damaging to the team, and they need to pay close attention to his demands.

It’s not clear where he would go or what other teams would have to give up to get him, but James would still be a gigantic presence on the market if he decides to say goodbye to Los Angeles.

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