It's not as simple as a plug-and-play, though. Lillard tore his Achilles in the playoffs and will most if not all of the 2025-26 season. If the Lakers pursued a Lillard signing, it would be with the plan of him being their starting point guard in 2026-27.

LeBron James' Time With Lakers 'Coming to an End': Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports. LeBron James is entering a different phase of his career as he approaches a record 23rd NBA season in 2025-26 -- one where he is no longer the center of attention, not just in the league, but on his own team.

According to ESPN insider Dave McMenamin, LeBron's agent, Rich Paul, told him that as many as four teams have already inquired about potentially trading for him: