NBA Insider Predicts LeBron James Will Leave Lakers, Finish Career Elsewhere

Despite the absence of any official indication from the franchise, persistent trade rumors surrounding LeBron James have dominated the NBA offseason, making it the league's biggest story. These speculations continue to circulate widely, even as his future with the Lakers remains unconfirmed.

Longtime NBA analyst Marc Stein, known for his credible insights, has predicted in his recent "The Stein Line" report that James will likely end his career with a franchise outside of Los Angeles. Stein asserts that the 2025-26 season probably won't be James' last, expecting him to publicly announce a final season beforehand, though there's no current sign he is considering retirement imminently.

Stein further notes that the Lakers appear ready to transition away from James as their focal point, signaling the start of a "Luka Doncic Era" based on their offseason moves. He interprets this as the organization treating the upcoming 2025-26 campaign as James' final one in Los Angeles, suggesting that if James wishes to avoid forced retirement, he may need to seek a new team next summer.

Uncertainty remains high, as James could request a trade before or during the season as the deadline approaches. At minimum, with his free agency looming after 2025-26, this season is expected to mark his last with the Lakers.