For the first time in LeBron James’ two-decade-long career, he’s not the main man of the franchise he is part of. The Lakers were even flying high in his absence early on in the season, leaving many wondering where he fits in the squad.
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The Los Angeles Lakers have found their star in Luka Doncic, along with the 2025–26 season’s most surprising breakout: Austin Reaves. And James has also shown that he can play, even with Doncic and Reaves thriving, which is great news for the Lakers.
That doesn’t mean that the organization will have him in its plans. But according to Stephen A. Smith, that should not be the King’s primary concern.
Stephen A. Smith has had beef with James in the past. But this time, on Joe and Jada, the famed analyst insisted that James, even with his sciatica, can come back at the age of 41 and average above 20 ppg.
Nevertheless, if the Lakers had a choice, they would trade him, he felt. “Because of his age, and the fact you’ve got Luka [as] the future,” said Smith.
Doncic arrived in LA in February, while Anthony Davis took the flight to Dallas in exchange. It was a move that polarized the NBA. No one saw it coming, either. But the dust is settled now, and Doncic, an MVP candidate and one of the best players in the world, is balling in front of the purple and gold faithful.
“Luka’s 26, and you want some young cats to play, not someone who’s 41 and on his way in the next year too,” Smith added. “That’s what that’s about. It’s not because of LeBron’s game, it’s because of his age.”
The Lakers are currently 15-4 after their win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. Meanwhile, James sat out for load management to rest his left leg, which had been bothering him. And through the 2025-26 season, James is expected to sit out of many more games.
Doncic is the face of the franchise now. Whether James goes to another team soon, or retires here doesn’t change that reality one bit.
