Although the Los Angeles Lakers are in win-now mode, they reportedly aren’t closed off to the idea of making moves for the future as well.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, sources said the Lakers are “open to trading for a player on a contract that extends beyond 2026.”
LeBron James is only signed through this season, and he could potentially retire at the conclusion of the campaign since he turns 41 in December. However, the Lakers signed superstar guard Luka Doncic to a three-year, $160.8 million contract extension last month, suggesting they have ambitions and a plan to be contenders for years to come.
Last season, the Lakers showed their commitment to long-term success when they pulled off a blockbuster trade for Dončić, sending Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks.
Along with James, Dončić helped the Lakers go 50-32 and secure the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, although they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
Despite their shortcomings last season, a source close to Dončić told McMenamin that the Slovenian star has confidence in the organization, saying: “He stresses every single day that his goal is to win a championship. He trusts the front office to do their part, and he trusts what they’re building.”
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka made some key additions to the squad this offseason, with center Deandre Ayton being the most notable signing.
The T-Wolves dominated on the interior with Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid during the playoffs, and the hope in L.A. is that Ayton gives the Lakers a player capable of neutralizing teams that thrive in the paint.
Pelinka also added some depth in the form of forward Jake LaRavia and guard Marcus Smart to go with the established core of James, Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Per McMenamin, Pelinka made it clear recently that he won’t shy away from making big moves if it increases the Lakers’ chances of winning a title next season and beyond, saying:
“If there are smart ways to pour into our championship aspirations for next year, we will execute on those. And we see having those two players on our team next year [as] an important moment, and we’ll continue to try to do all we can to deliver this franchise its 18th championship.”
While Dončić’s presence essentially ensures that the Lakers have a chance to contend for at least the next three years, one can only assume there is a sense of urgency to win it all this coming season.
James is arguably the greatest player of all time, and even at the age of 40, he is still one of the top players in the league.
The 2025-26 campaign could be the one and only time LeBron and Luka are teammates for a full season, which is something the Lakers need to capitalize on.
If James does step away after this coming season, his impact will be nearly impossible to replace, meaning here and now may be the Lakers’ best chance at a championship for the foreseeable future.
