As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a critical offseason centered around Luka Doncic and LeBron James, questions continue to circulate about James’ long-term future with the franchise. In the latest episode of his podcast, Buha’s Block, The Athletic’s Jovan Buha offered a candid assessment of James’ current standing with the team, calling the relationship “a little frosty” in recent years.
“I mean, I think there’s always a chance that LeBron could walk,” Buha said. “As we’ve reported at The Athletic multiple times — and it hasn’t just been me, Sam Amick has also reported this — the relationship has been a little frosty at times. It hasn’t always been the warmest over the past couple of years. But I’ve said it before: I think LeBron’s going to be a Laker next year. The only question is whether he’s opting in or opting out and re-signing.”
James holds a $52.2 million player option for the 2025-26 season. While he has yet to publicly commit to either opting in or testing free agency, the Lakers’ plans for the offseason likely hinge on his decision. Buha’s remarks, though not new, highlight an undercurrent of tension that has reportedly existed between James and the organization since early in his Lakers tenure.
