Los Angeles Lakers are once again heading into an offseason filled with uncertainty after another disappointing playoff exit. With questions continuing to surround LeBron James and his future with the franchise, reports suggest the organisation has already begun preparing for life beyond its longtime superstar.
According to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Lakers are internally exploring different scenarios in case James decides to leave or retire. One potential option reportedly under consideration is reuniting Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Los Angeles.
Robinson stated that the Lakers have quietly weighed the advantages and risks of bringing Irving to the franchise if LeBron departs, potentially recreating the high-powered partnership that Doncic and Irving previously shared during their time with the Dallas Mavericks.
The idea would give the Lakers one of the league’s most explosive offensive backcourts, although it also raises concerns surrounding long-term chemistry, stability and roster balance.
The franchise’s need to prepare for the future comes amid continued uncertainty over James’ retirement plans. The 41-year-old has remained noncommittal whenever asked about how much longer he intends to play.
Speaking recently in an interview cited by former Lakers beat writer Jack Fitzpatrick for the LA Times, James admitted he still does not have a clear answer regarding his future and said discussions with his family and support system will ultimately shape the decision.
The speculation has already sparked strong reactions among fans online. On Reddit’s Lakers forum, some supporters praised the front office for planning ahead, while others questioned whether sacrificing younger players for Irving would be worth the gamble. Social media users also pointed out that if LeBron leaves, the Lakers’ championship hopes could quickly fade unless another star duo emerges immediately.
For now, there is no indication that a move involving Irving is imminent. The discussions are believed to be part of broader contingency planning as the organisation braces for the possibility that the LeBron era could soon come to an end.
The Lakers may view a Doncic-Irving partnership as a way to recreate the success the pair enjoyed in Dallas, where they helped guide the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals.
Irving, however, remains in recovery after suffering an ACL injury in March 2025, which forced him to miss the entire 2025-26 season. He is expected to return for the 2026-27 campaign, adding another layer of uncertainty to any future plans involving the veteran guard.
Even so, with LeBron’s future hanging in the balance, the Lakers appear determined to prepare for every possible direction the franchise may take next.
