LeBron James Expected to Regress in 2025-26 Season
A Bleacher Report analyst expects LeBron James to regress in the 2025-26 season as the Los Angeles Lakers increasingly move away from building the franchise around him.
Franchise Shift Toward Luka Dončić
Grant Hughes wrote that even if observers refuse to declare LeBron finished in his age-41 season, the franchise’s clear pivot toward Luka Dončić signals a reduced role for James as the team’s long-term centerpiece.
Offseason Turbulence and Trade Speculation
The Lakers’ offseason has been turbulent, centered largely on LeBron. Sources reported trade speculation after agent Rich Paul issued an unusual public comment about James’ future, fueling questions about his tenure in Los Angeles.
James’ Future and Performance Expectations
Despite the noise, James is expected to remain with the Lakers for the upcoming season. How effective he will be as a 40-to-41-year-old forward, however, is an open question.
Projected Decline in Production
Hughes projects a dip in production. He believes James will likely still earn an All-Star nod, but that predicting continued All-NBA level...