Skip Bayless has weighed in on a hypothetical scenario involving LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the Los Angeles Lakers, offering his take on what could unfold during the offseason.
The Lakers’ 2025-26 season came to a disappointing end on Monday night as they suffered a narrow defeat in Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite delivering their best performance of the series, Los Angeles was unable to avoid being swept by the defending champions.
Now, the Lakers enter a critical summer, with James having the opportunity to test free agency and potentially leave the team.
Renowned sports media personality Skip Bayless, often critical of James, shared his predictions on social media regarding James’ next move.
“My assumption: 1) LeBron plays at least one more season, 2) But with a different team,” Bayless wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He also outlined a scenario where James dons the purple and gold again.
“I’m guessing LeBron takes a voluntary pay cut to stay in LA and play another season for the Lakers. And I’d venture Luka quietly mutters, ‘Not again, not again,'” Bayless commented.
James and Doncic have shown promising on-court chemistry in their relatively short time together. James’ high salary has been a frequent talking point among Lakers critics, who argue it restricts Rob Pelinka and the front office from building a roster that fully maximizes Doncic’s strengths while compensating for his weaknesses.
If James returns on a reduced contract next season, it would undoubtedly make roster reconstruction easier. However, Bayless suggests Doncic might prefer the Lakers to be entirely his team, which would only be possible if James departs.
Clearly, James and the Lakers are facing some major decisions this summer.
