Though talks of LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason have seemingly cooled down, his future is still in question heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

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.

Hall of Fame NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line doesn’t expect LeBron James to retire with the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron, 40, will make $52.6 million next season in the final year of his contract.