The Lakers are apparently looking for an upcoming player to lead the team in the post-LeBron James era as his retirement date approaches. While LeBron is projected to remain on the roster for at least another season, his final season could be in 2025-26 as he reaches 40. He’s already hinted at retirement, withdrawing from the 2028 Olympics for identical reasons. Despite his age, LeBron continues to approach each task with vigour, making the looming gap in the Lakers’ lineup unattainable to fill. Nevertheless, the team must prepare for life after LeBron, just as they did when he arrived in 2018, rejuvenating the brand following Kobe Bryant’s retirement in 2016.
However, luring a new champion from the Mavericks might prove difficult for the Lakers, as the player has no imminent reason to leave, particularly after earning his first finals trip in his six-year NBA career. He has a lot of exciting opportunities in his future.
Following their Olympic gold medal win in Paris, rumors of a LeBron James-Steph Curry collaboration grew. Curry sparked speculation after posting a poignant homage to his Olympic colleagues, James and Kevin Durant, on social media with the message “Same Team… Winning Team.” James even gave this year’s US men’s basketball team the nickname “Avengers.” While supporters are enthusiastic about the idea, they also understand how unlikely it is. With all three stars unlikely to return for the 2028 Olympics due to their ages, their recent victory has sparked emotional reactions and prompted conjecture about their futures.
