Keeping Doncic long-term is at the top of their list, but so is retaining their superstar and longest-tenured Laker, LeBron James. James is likely to be a free agent this summer, and while he is likely to opt-out of his deal, there is little chance he leaves the Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers narrowly escaped another loss against the Indiana Pacers on March 26, thanks to a last-second tip-in by LeBron James. The win ended their three-game losing streak, but the Chicago Bulls defeated the Lakers in a dramatic finish with a game-winning buzzer beater by Josh Giddey from half-court the next day.

The 2025-26 season will be LeBron James’ 23rd year in the NBA and his eighth with the Los Angeles Lakers, doubling his time with the Miami Heat and extending one season longer than his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Gone are the excited television segments likening the dynamic duo to all-time Lakers pairings and laying the groundwork for a victory parade through the streets of Los Angeles. They've given way to something a bit more sobering.

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The Lakers suffered yet another inexcuable loss, and this time, it happened right after it looked like they had a win secured in the final seconds.