ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes a LeBron James trade could become a realistic scenario if the Los Angeles Lakers stumble out of the gate this season.
On the latest episode of The Hoop Collective, Windhorst discussed the uncertainty surrounding the Lakers and the potential implications of an early-season slump. James, who remains sidelined with a sciatica injury, is expected to miss the start of his 23rd NBA season as Los Angeles prepares for its regular-season opener against the Golden State Warriors next week.
“LeBron hasn’t walked back those comments,” Windhorst said, referring to remarks made earlier this year about James’ future with the organization. “Now I think there’s a chance that Luka is going to get off to a great start and for all I know he’ll be throwing lobs to Deandre Ayton.”
Windhorst went on to outline possible scenarios that could determine the team’s approach to James’ future.
“When LeBron comes back maybe the Lakers are 12–4 or something like that or 10–3 and things are going fine and that will never be thought of,” he continued. “But you know if they’re underachieving after 25 games, and the thing about the Lakers that is important to realize, I think they’ve got seven or eight guys who are free agents after this season.”
Brian Windhorst points to uncertain Lakers future with LeBron James' status
The veteran insider noted that the Lakers’ current roster lacks long-term security and that few players beyond Luka Doncic are guaranteed beyond this season.
“So there’s like nothing precious on this roster,” Windhorst said. “Even LeBron, yeah they don’t want to go at it that way, they want him to go out with LeBron out, drop the mic or whatever, but I’m just saying LeBron hasn’t walked back those comments that Rich Paul made. And I’m sure they put some thought into those comments before they were made about what the future is.”
James, 40, has yet to make a public statement clarifying his long-term plans. Earlier this summer, his agent Rich Paul said James’ future would depend on how the Lakers approach the coming seasons and their level of competitiveness. The team’s recent restructuring around Doncic, Deandre Ayton, and Austin Reaves marked a new chapter for the franchise following the departure of Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks last February.
Windhorst’s remarks underscore the uncertainty facing the Lakers as they balance James’ recovery, roster turnover, and championship ambitions. With James expected to be reevaluated in three to four weeks, the Lakers will rely on Doncic and Reaves to carry the offensive load early in the season.
The Lakers finished last season with a 50-32 record but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Entering the 2025-26 campaign, expectations remain high, though Windhorst’s comments highlight the growing sense that early struggles could force the front office to consider difficult options.
Los Angeles opens its season on Oct. 21 at home against the Warriors.
