LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers appear headed for a split at some point in the future. Whether that split comes before or during the 2025-26 NBA season or next offseason in free agency, the end seems to be near.

T he Lakers have had a decent offseason thus far. Los Angeles added Deandre Ayton on a steep discount, which gives Luka Doncic the kind of pick-and-roll threat he always thrived with in Dallas. Jake LaRavia isn't a particularly home run of a signing,