For months, publicly and privately, the Lakers have been signaling their desire to begin the Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles, even if it meant ending the LeBron James one.

With the Los Angeles Lakers reorienting their plans around Luka Dončić and 2027 cap space, LeBron James finds himself in uncharted waters. For the first time in his career, he's not the focal point of his franchise.

The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a pivotal 2025-26 season with LeBron James and Luka Dončić at the helm, but it's become apparent that the franchise will be more attentive to the latter of the duo moving forward.