NBA Executive Advises Lakers to Part Ways with LeBron James

Suggests team should focus on building around Luka Doncic instead.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 12:07am

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An Eastern Conference NBA executive has reportedly told ESPN that the Los Angeles Lakers should let LeBron James walk in free agency this offseason and instead focus on building the team around Luka Doncic. The executive believes Doncic is at his best alongside a ball-dominant guard, and the Lakers should target a point guard in the offseason.

Why it matters

This recommendation from an NBA executive highlights the difficult decisions the Lakers face regarding the future of their franchise. LeBron James has been a cornerstone of the team, leading them to an NBA championship in 2020, but at 38 years old, there are questions about how much longer he can play at an elite level. The Lakers must weigh the short-term benefits of keeping James against the long-term potential of building around a younger star like Doncic.

The details

According to the ESPN report, the executive believes the Lakers' "first thing they have to do is move off LeBron" and "let him walk and use the space to retool around Luka (Doncic)." The executive also emphasized the importance of the Lakers retaining guard Austin Reaves, who is eligible for a max contract this offseason. In addition to James' future, the Lakers have several other key free agency decisions to make, including on Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard.

  • The Lakers (33-21) are currently fifth in the Western Conference, a half-game behind the Houston Rockets.
  • The Lakers return to the court on Friday, February 24, 2026 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The players

LeBron James

A 38-year-old forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who has led the team to an NBA championship and set numerous league records during his tenure.

Luka Doncic

A young star player who the NBA executive believes the Lakers should build around instead of LeBron James.

Austin Reaves

A Lakers guard who is eligible for a max contract this offseason and the executive believes is critical for the team to retain.

Rob Pelinka

The General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers who is looking to improve the team's defense and shooting this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The first thing they have to do is move off LeBron. Let him walk and use the space to retool around Luka (Doncic). Keeping (Austin) Reaves is critical.”

— Eastern Conference Front Office Executive

What’s next

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The takeaway

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