There’s a growing feeling among NBA fans that the Lakers are already turning the page on LeBron James — even if he’s still in uniform.
A recent ESPN report from Kevin Pelton suggested the franchise has quietly shifted its timeline to match Luka Doncic’s prime.
“Days after the Doncic deal, the Lakers agreed to send Dalton Knecht, a first-round pick and another swap to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams, a 23-year-old lob threat who would have been an ideal pick-and-roll partner for Doncic,” Pelton wrote.
He then added, “The move represented the first indication that they were prioritizing winning during Doncic’s prime rather than building the best team possible in the twilight of James’ career.”
That framing didn’t sit well with many NBA fans.
Some believe building around Luka doesn’t have to mean sidelining LeBron’s window.
@LukaToBron argued, “Luka’s prime is right now, and the players that fit with him are the same that fit with LeBron. This is such a pathetic excuse for not addressing the team’s biggest needs at the deadline.”
Luka’s prime is right now, and the players that fit with him are the same that fit with LeBron.
This is such a pathetic excuse for not addressing the team’s biggest needs at the deadline.
— (@LukaToBron) February 10, 2026
@HoodiAJDybantsa questioned the narrative itself: “I mean LeBron also prioritizing winning so idk why this needed to be a statement in the first place.”
Others were more blunt about it.
@LoveTheOrange1 wrote, “Smart of them to do so. LeBron can’t win you a title anymore.”
The reality is obvious: there’s a 15-year gap between the two stars. Luka is entering his physical peak. LeBron is managing mileage. But their goal hasn’t changed. Both want another banner. The debate is whether the front office believes chasing both timelines at once is realistic.
“Luka-Kyrie chemistry just hits different”: NBA fans react to Luka Doncic’s revelation on team chemistry
While NBA fans debate fit in Los Angeles, Luka added another layer to the conversation during his appearance on the “Cousins” podcast with Tracy McGrady.
Asked which teammate he’s had the most chemistry with, Doncic didn’t hesitate.
“I’ll probably say Kyrie.”
That answer instantly sparked reactions.
@naziyapa20 said, “Not surprising at all Luka-Kyrie chemistry just hits different.”
@PerSources added, “They went to a finals.”
And of course, there were those ready to stir things up.
@WordSm7th joked, “Uh oh! Bron stans not gonna like that answer!”
For NBA fans watching all this unfold, the tension isn’t really about loyalty. It’s about timelines. Luka represents the future. LeBron represents urgency. The Lakers are trying to balance both — and not everyone believes that’s possible.
