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LeBron James has yet to play a game for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, and so far, it appears the NBA superstar's services aren't necessary. Luka Doncic has quickly become the new franchise star, and coach JJ Redick has managed to get the most from the team's current roster. In addition to Luka, that includes emerging star Austin Reaves, big man DeAndre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura. Newcomers, including Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart, have also proven to be intelligent moves the Lakers made in the offseason. Meanwhile, that leaves a significant question about how LeBron will fit in once he returns to this cohesive Lakers unit. There may be hints that King James still wants this to be his team, despite Luka's takeover this season. Some individuals even believe that James, 40, might be on the move, or should actually leave the team instead of trying to continue his time there. Read more: Rockets’ Kevin Durant Taunts Ja Morant’s Dad Amid Grizzlies Trade Rumors That includes Fox Sports analyst Colin Cowherd, who recently issued a warning to James on his "The Herd With Colin Cowherd" show. “There’s some supposition that LeBron has his feelings hurt because he hasn't been offered an extension [from the Lakers],” Cowherd said, adding, “I don’t know if that’s true.” “I think LeBron’s smart enough to know the torch’s been passed in LA,” he said, referencing how it went from “Kareem to Magic to Shaq to Kobe to LeBron.” “My takeaway in all of this: LeBron’s gotta fall in line or leave. This is not Cleveland, and it’s not even Miami. It’s a pass-the-torch city, and when I look at LeBron right now, are his feelings getting hurt a little bit?” “LA welcomed LeBron, they didn’t worship him,” he said, suggesting Magic and Kobe were much more popular Lakers than LeBron, and the franchise may not care about being as loyal to King James. In addition, Cowherd said there might be some "LeBron fatigue" in the NBA after him being the top guy in the league for so many years. It's his 23rd season in the NBA, and he probably would have no issue finding another team to join. However, his son, Bronny James, is also on the Lakers' roster. Along with that, adding more championships appears to be a big goal for most superstars. By staying with the Lakers to finish his career, he seemingly has a legitimate shot at that, due to how strong the team currently looks. LeBron signed a two-year $104 million deal in 2024, which included a player option for the 2025-26 season. LeBron exercised that player option, but as Cowherd suggests, there may be hurt feelings about the Lakers’ lack of an extension beyond this season. On Thursday, ESPN's Shams Charania revealed that the team medically cleared LeBron for "contact basketball activities." He'll be re-evaluated in one to two weeks and is reportedly not going on the Lakers’ five-game road trip due to his ongoing issue with sciatica. Luka and company take on the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night, as the 7-2 Lakers look to stay hot and achieve a sixth-straight victory without LeBron. Read more: Kings’ Russell Westbrook Makes NBA History in Win Over Warriors
