MOST RATIONAL LEBRON REPLACEMENTS NEXT SUMMER

WRITTEN + EDITED BY JORDYN BONTRAGER

LeBron James will almost certainly never play another NBA game in a different NBA jersey than his present one. Unfortunately, there is a good chance that the 2025-2026 NBA season will be his grand finale. With the King still competing at an elite level on the court looking ahead to next season, Rob Pelinka is responsible for putting him in the best position possible to compete for a championship. But at the same time, the GM is also responsible for guiding this franchise + fanbase through the rapidly approaching post-Bron era. Assuredly, his primary focus should be fixated on the season to come. However, you best believe he is already pulling the behind the scenes strings necessary to pinpoint LBJ’s predecessor.

Luka Doncic is the focal point of this franchise’s future plans. That much is 100% certain. Beyond him, nobody’s spot seems fully secure. No one in their right mind wants to see Austin Reaves go, but everyone would turn a blind eye if it meant scoring a big fish.

Whether Pelinka and the front office make that major splash this summer or next, it seems more ‘when’ as opposed to ‘if’ it will occur. And there are an abundance of options for them to evaluate prior to pulling any triggers.

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO | BUCKS | ROUTE = ACTIVE TRADE MARKET

IF Giannis and Milwaukee decide to call it quits, a Giannis-Luka combo could be the deadliest duo in the history of time.

KYRIE IRVING | MAVERICKS | ROUTE = 2026 FREE AGENCY (UFA)

We have already witnessed the synchronized chemistry between Kyrie x Luka in Dallas. After serving as James’s sidekick in Cleveland, could he arise as his apprentice in LA?

JAREN JACKSON JR | GRIZZLIES | ROUTE = 2026 FREE AGENCY (UFA)

JJJ missing out on All-NBA honors complicates things for Memphis as it pertains to sustaining it’s supporting cast, and it will be interesting to see how Zach Kleiman + co handle Jackson’s impending extension negotiations. Should both parties fail to reach an agreement, Jackson’s name would undoubtedly become a hot commodity on the trade market. Whether he were to become available via trade or free agency, the Lakers would assuredly be in the mix for his services. There may not be a better frontcourt cornerstone to slot aside Doncic for the future.

LAMELO BALL | HORNETS | ROUTE = 2026 TRADE MARKET

We are now five seasons into MB-1’s career, and Charlotte has yet to win a playoff series with Ball running the show. Opposing vultures across the league have taken notice, and it seems but a matter of time before Ball seeks greener pastures. When that time comes, you already know Los Angeles (Ball’s hometown) would be among the All-Star’s destination wishlist. Wondering how Ball x Doncic could co-exist? Just remember that many wondered the same thing about James x Doncic.

DAMIAN LILLARD | BUCKS | ROUTE = 2026 FREE AGENCY (PLAYER OPTION)

Depending on what plays out with Antetokounmpo, the Bucks could soon find themselves in limbo with regards to what to do about Damian Lillard. Being that he possesses a player option after next season, Milwaukee will likely explore all options as it pertains to their soon-to-be 35-year-old point guard. The Lakers have been linked to Lillard in the past, but could be weary of Dame’s wear and tear. However, the dynamics of a Doncic-Lillard backcourt are far too tantalizing to completely destroy any legitimate interest from LA.

ZACH LAVINE | KINGS | ROUTE = 2026 FREE AGENCY (UFA)

LaVine has been connected to the Lakers for a lifetime, and is now officially hooping in the Golden state. His widely-critiqued contract will come off of Sacramento’s books next summer, and the athletic freak’s ability to make things happen both on and off-the-ball (career high 44.6% from deep on 7.3 attempts/game this SZN) would serve as a seamless complement to the Don.

NIKOLA JOKIC | NUGGETES | ROUTE = 2026 TRADE MARKET

Nobody is expecting Denver and Nikola Jokic to file for divorce, but did anybody foresee the Dallas and Luka falling out? If the Lakers are shooting for the moon, their sights should specifically be set on the Freak + Joker. If/when one and/or the other become available, the front office would be wise to cash in all their chips.

BAM ADEBAYO | HEAT | ROUTE = 2026 TRADE MARKET

Once upon a time, Pat Riley spearheaded a Laker dynasty. In the not-too-distant past, he was piloting the Heat’s infamous ‘Big 3’ empire in Miami. But throughout recent memory, Riley has been struggling to steadily steer a championship-caliber ship in Miami. As a result of the franchise’s recent roster instability, the head honcho has declared a desire for changes. Could he help re-ignite his former purple and gold juggernaut by negotiating a deal involving Bam Adebayo? The likeliest answer is no, but nothing is out of the cards anymore when it comes to what Rob Pelinka has hidden up his sleeve.

TRAE YOUNG | HAWKS | ROUTE = 2026 FREE AGENCY (PLAYER OPTION)

One of the more under-appreciated guys in the association, Trae Young deserves more spotlight for the spectacular things he does. There is no brighter limelight in the league than Los Angeles, and Young is another name who has previously popped up in connection with the Lakers. While acquiring him would certainly have made more sense with Anthony Davis on the roster, it is fun to envision 2018 draft mates Trae x Luka taking turns dissecting perimeter defenders.

OG ANUNOBY | KNICKS | ROUTE = 2026 TRADE MARKET

Where Trae Young is among the league’s most under-appreciated players, OG Anunoby is THE league’s most under-appreciated player. The soon-to-be 28-year-old has yet to make an All-Star team, but he is lowkey the type of ‘role player’ that you could reasonably build a team around. There is not a player in the NBA he cannot guard, and he never seems to force things offensively (fresh off a career-high 18.0 PPG in 74 games).

Anunoby is under team control until his player option after ‘27-’28, and the Knicks will not be in any quest to quit on him anytime soon. But following Tom Thibodeau’s unforeseen firing + reports of potential beef between Karl-Anthony Towns and his teammates, who knows what could happen if the team does not meet expectations next season.

DEVIN BOOKER | SUNS | ROUTE = 2026 TRADE MARKET

The clock is officially ticking in terms of Phoenix’s window of winning a championship before Devin Booker wants out. Next season will be #11 for Book, and it is looking like his current co-star Kevin Durant will not be residing in the desert region for it’s duration. With so many negative vibes spawning out of Phoenix recently, a change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered for Booker’s career. And him teaming up with Doncic could cue the league’s most lethal wing tandem for the next 5-10 years.