The Los Angeles Lakers may be heading toward the end of their era with LeBron James, as a potential blockbuster trade involving the 39-year-old superstar gains traction this summer.
With one NBA title and two Western Conference Finals appearances in L.A. since 2018, the Lakers’ partnership with James has also come with inconsistency, which includes a missed postseason and multiple early playoff exits in recent years. With James turning 41 in December and entering his 23rd NBA season, the franchise is now facing decisions that could reshape its future.
However, this time around, the Lakers’ new majority ownership group, led by Dodgers principal owner Mark Walter, appears less willing to hand James that level of organizational control.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst (July 11 report), a split between James and the Lakers could happen sooner rather than later, possibly even before the 2026 trade deadline. It might arrive as early as this offseason if Los Angeles finds the right trade offer.
Proposed 3-Team Trade Sends James to Miami
A recent proposal from Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell presents a bold trade scenario that would send LeBron back to a familiar place: Miami.
The reported trade framework includes:
To Miami Heat: LeBron James, Maxi Kleber, Vit Krejci
To Los Angeles Lakers: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Haywood Highsmith, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and a 2029 unprotected first-round pick
To Atlanta Hawks: Gabe Vincent
Caudell believes the pieces coming back to L.A. could immediately strengthen their depth. Wiggins, a key piece in Golden State’s 2022 championship run, could work alongside Austin Reaves and strong talent like Jalen Hood-Schifino. Highsmith, known for his defensive versatility, might instantly become the team’s top perimeter defender.
The Lakers would also gain promising young wing Jaime Jaquez Jr., along with Rozier — who is in the final year of his deal — and a future first-round pick that could prove valuable by 2029.
For Miami, the deal marks a reunion with one of the franchise’s greatest players. James led the Heat to four straight NBA Finals and two championships between 2010 and 2014. Pairing him again with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro would instantly vault Miami back into contention in an Eastern Conference likely to be weakened next season due to key injuries affecting contenders like Boston and Indiana.
Wiggins Continues to Draw L.A. Interest
The Lakers have been linked to Andrew Wiggins long ago, who is under contract for two more seasons at a value of $109 million. The 30-year-old forward offers two-way play, experience, and championship pedigree, attributes that could appeal to new head coach. Redick as he looks to reshape the team’s identity.
The potential acquisition of Wiggins and other key assets might be a sign that the Lakers are preparing for a post-LeBron era while remaining competitive.
Could This Be the End of the LeBron-Lakers Era?
With uncertainty around LeBron’s long-term role in L.A. and the front office showing signs of shifting direction, this summer could represent the final chapter in a dramatic seven-year run that began with high hopes and produced a championship during the 2020 bubble season.
Whether this deal — or any like it — materializes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Lakers are exploring all options, and LeBron’s future may no longer be tied to Los Angeles.
