The Los Angeles Lakers are already thinking about their future without LeBron James, with a potential pairing of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving emerging as a key target.
According to reports, the Lakers are evaluating their options in case James decides to leave the franchise, with limited time to adjust their plans.
NBA Insider Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson reported that the Lakers have quietly weighed the pros and cons of pairing Doncic and Irving, which would give them a high-scoring backcourt but also raise questions about chemistry and stability.
The 41-year-old James has rarely been direct about his retirement plans, leaving the Lakers to prepare for a roster without him, even if he decides to play one more season.
The potential pairing of Doncic and Irving could be just what the Lakers need if James leaves, with Irving likely to be back for the 2026-27 season after missing the 2025-26 season due to an ACL injury.
