LeBron James was the star attraction in Las Vegas this time last year, as he and the Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup. But the situation is quite different now.
Lakers coach JJ Redick explained this week that James was absent from practice due to “personal reasons” and will miss Friday’s game in Minnesota because of “left foot soreness.” There has also been speculation about potential trades, with teams like Golden State reportedly interested in him if he were available. With James turning 40 in a couple of weeks, questions about his future are growing.
Any time James is missing from the team, it becomes a major story. His absence could signal an injury, frustration with the Lakers’ recent struggles, or simply a need for rest. No one knows for sure, but one thing is clear: James won’t be playing on Friday.
“All of this is very fluid,” Redick said, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding James’ situation. “All of it is. All of it is. That’s what’s crystallized.”
James holds a no-trade clause, giving him ultimate control over his future. If he desires a trade, it’s likely to happen. If not, he will continue with the Lakers, potentially alongside his son, Bronny. The Lakers’ upcoming schedule, with only two games in the next week, offers James a chance to rest if his foot is indeed an issue, especially given the toll of his 22-season career.
LeBron, now the oldest player in the league, has accomplished nearly everything in basketball. With more wealth than he could ever spend, there’s little left for him to prove. Though he’s under contract for next season, retirement is on the horizon.
“I’m not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest. I don’t know how many years that is, if it’s one year, two years, whatever the case may be,” James said last month. “I’m not playing ‘til the wheels fall off. I’m not going to be that guy. I’m not going to be the guy who’s disrespecting the game because I just want to be out on the floor. That won’t be me.”
While his scoring has decreased (23 points per game, his lowest since his rookie year), James is still contributing significantly in other areas, with increased rebounds and assists. Only Denver’s Nikola Jokic has comparable stats this season, further solidifying that James’ performance remains strong.
As trade rumors swirl around the league—particularly concerning high-profile players like Jimmy Butler—this period is a typical moment for speculation.
“Narratives,” said Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on Thursday. “That’s going to happen, you know, in every organization at some point during the season.”
For the Lakers, this could be one of those moments. They’ve lost seven of their last 10 games, with several blowout losses. James has shown signs of frustration, which is understandable after such defeats.
Though his influence remains in Las Vegas, where his image is featured in advertisements at the airport, his absence on the court raises questions about when he will return. The uncertainty about James’ next move remains.
