LeWhat’s next?2025-26 season preview: It’s Luka’s world now https://t.co/190YcjYWVz— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 14, 2025
LeWhat’s next? 2025-26 season preview: It’s Luka’s world now
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October 14, 2025 2 Comments
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FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:
Things got awkward in Los Angeles for a bit this summer, and they still might be on some level. At least for now, LeBron James seems to be in a pretty good headspace with the situation. When he picked up his $52 million option this summer, the messaging seemed to be that LeBron and the Lakers weren’t totally aligned on all things present and future. This is Luka Dončić’s franchise now.
Even though LeBron is still one of the top players in the world, the Lakers are focused on all things Luka and putting a team around him. That eventually (maybe even as soon as summer 2026) won’t include LeBron. So have they done enough to put a contending team around them? Is this season going to be super awkward? Let’s dive in!
Drama Meter: It’s pretty high but nothing totally detrimental, as of right now. This could easily get to a 10 if Deandre Ayton is still too aloof or LeBron isn’t on the same page as Luka or JJ Redick or this team gets off to a slow start. Then we’ll find out how much drama there can be.
Hot Seat Meter: One year into the job and his coaching career, Redick received a contract extension through 2030 with the Lakers. This seat is beyond cold.
Offseason question: We still don’t know! The Lakers will have a lot of roster flexibility this summer, as has been the case in most of Rob Pelinka’s tenure running this franchise. LeBron doesn’t seem to be retiring after this year (as of right now). And the Lakers aren’t committing to him past this season (as of right now).
2026 free agents: LeBron James | Rui Hachimura | Austin Reaves (player option) | Deandre Ayton (player option) | Gabe Vincent | Maxi Kleber | Marcus Smart (player option) | Jaxson Hayes
Reaves will absolutely decline his option and make anywhere from $30 million to $40 million annually starting next season. Hachimura and Ayton could be in line for good paydays if they have strong years. And then there’s the LeBron of it all.
Expectation for this season: I don’t see why they can’t win 50 games again and put themselves firmly in the top six for the playoffs. From there, they have to get the correct matchup to even get out of the first round.