$12.5 Billion Lakers Sale Could Have Influenced LeBron James’ Choice, Per Report

LeBron James announced his exit from the Lakers after the 2025-26 campaign.

$12.5 Billion Lakers Sale Could Have Influenced LeBron James’ Choice, Per Report

LeBron James (Image credits - BBC)

LeBron James stunned the NBA world when he decided not to sign a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. James joined the esteemed franchise as a free agent in 2018, and many expected him to play out the remainder of his career there. However, he had other ideas.

It is believed that he chose to play elsewhere for basketball reasons, as the Lakers built their future around Luka Doncic, who joined the team from the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline last year. But recent reports suggest the organization’s future off the court may have played a role as well.

The ownership of the Lakers has changed twice in the past year. Last year, Mark Walter took over the reins from Jeanie Buss for $10 billion. In just one year, Walter gave up ownership for $12.5 billion to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger and bagged a hefty profit.

According to ESPN insider Dave McMenamin, if the Lakers had agreed to the sale earlier, James might have stayed.

Maybe… Communication could have been better [with Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, compared to Mark Walter]. Just a different relationship. But the basketball piece was the most important, so maybe not from that standpoint.

Dave McMenamin on ESPN

James’ decision to test free agency for the fourth time in his career brought an end to an eight-year stint with the Lakers. It was his longest single stint in a franchise.

Kushner and Iger bought the Lakers and broke the all-time record for the most expensive professional sports franchise ever sold. The two new owners were interested in the Las Vegas expansion team before deciding to acquire the Lakers.

Under Walter, the Lakers front office made it clear that Doncic was the focal point, and it seemed that they pushed James aside. So it is possible things could have panned out differently if the new owners had taken charge earlier.

RELATED
Stephanie White Praises Caitlin Clark’s 20-Point 2nd-Half Explosion in Win Over Paige Bueckers’ Wings

Lakers enter a new era on and off the court after LeBron James’ departure

While some may not see James as a Lakers great, his eight-year spell with the Lakers did bring in a championship. After missing the playoffs in his first season, the former number one pick led the team to its first championship in a decade in 2020 and was also named the Finals MVP.

LeBron James and Luka Doncic
LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image credits – LA Times)

However, it was time for a change. The 41-year-old was coming off an impressive 2025-26 campaign, but it was time for Doncic to take over and become the new face of the franchise.

The Slovenian guard expressed excitement over the new ownership and is ready to build something special in the Lakers under Iger and Kushner. Iger confirmed that Jeanie Buss will continue with her role as the Lakers’ Governor, as they intend to honor the agreement between Walter and her made last year.

The Lakers have made some big changes to their roster. After some memorable moments with James, the Lakers are ready to enter a new era under Kushner and Iger with Doncic at the helm.

LeBron James will clash against the Lakers on Christmas Day

For the first time since the 2018-19 campaign, the Lakers will not be playing on opening night. Unfortunately, those are the consequences the Lakers will face after the departure of LeBron James.

The four-time champion joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal three weeks ago. His move to Philly surprised many, as he had no history with the franchise. The 76ers have already been rewarded with the most national TV games next season. James and the 76ers are scheduled to take on his former team on Christmas Day.

While James’ exit from the Lakers did not end on bad terms, many reports suggested he was unhappy that he didn’t receive much love from their fans. However, the game is expected to catch a lot of eyeballs when James returns to the Crypto.com Arena in a 76ers jersey.

Also Read: