The Lakers aren’t trading LeBron James, but they may be done building around him. Marc Stein’s report hints at a quiet exit plan.

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers appear headed for a split at some point in the future. Whether that split comes before or during the 2025-26 NBA season or next offseason in free agency, the end seems to be near.

These are all questions we won’t have answers to until next year. But as things stand, it surely feels like LeBron and the Lakers are set for their swan song. You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.