Lakers Should Part Ways with LeBron James, Says 3-Time Champion

Even though several trades are making the rounds of what is an eventful free agency period, LeBron James and his future with the Los Angeles Lakers still continue to become the most dominant conversation.

From fans to analysts, everyone wants to know the latest updates on the whereabouts of the league’s oldest player. It seems that fans know that what he decides to do will have a domino effect.

Part of that may be because no one expects the Lakers to be contenders next season. No matter what they do, their salary cap situation is not going to help them land the stud players needed to take the next step.

After Austin Reaves‘ record extension, the belief is that the franchise is doing everything it can to prioritize around the guard and Luka Doncic.

On top of that, once news came out that the franchise had not been communicating with the King, it was further proof that they might be done with him. Then, if there was any doubt, one of their former players urged the Lakers to part ways with the 41-year-old.

I don’t think it’s all his decision… I’ve said that over a long time, I think they should part ways… Don’t get it twisted. He can still play… We’re gonna start looking at other options to bring in to make us a better organization.

Byron Scott said on Fast Break

Byron Scott says everybody thinks it’s LeBron James decision to stay at the Lakers, but the organization should say we’re moving on:

“We’re gonna start looking at other options to bring in to make us a better organization.”

(Via Byron Scott’s Fast Break) pic.twitter.com/szty5ihB1L

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 29, 2026

The three-time champion believes that to contend in the highly competitive Western Conference, the Lakers need to get younger and more athletic. For that, they need to cut ties with LeBron James, even though he is still one of the better players.

Byron Scott ranks LeBron James outside his Top-5 Lakers

Throughout that conversation, Byron Scott made it clear that he knows LeBron James‘ fans do not appreciate his opinion. On top of that, he clarified that he still considers the Akron native one of the best to play the game.

After discussing why he believed his former team should move on, the discussion pivoted to whether Scott considers the league’s all-time leading scorer one of the Top 5 Lakers of all time.

No… He might be Top 10 with the Lakers. I’m going by if you put that purple and gold there’s a different standard… There’s a different standard, and you look at the top guys, the Kareems, the Magics, the Kobes, the Shaq’s, you know, guys like that. Those guys got multiple championships with this organization.

Byron Scott said

The 65-year-old reiterated that the Los Angeles Lakers have the distinction of having some of the greatest players in the history of basketball to have worn their jersey.

Byron Scott says LeBron James is not a top 5 All-Time Lakers player, he might be top 10:

“I’m going by if you put that purple and gold there’s a different standard. So, I’m going to elaborate on a little bit. There’s a different standard and you look at the top guys, the Kareem,… https://t.co/gO7gnbJuea pic.twitter.com/kIKA2LOjM4

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 29, 2026

Most of those on anyone’s top 5 list have multiple championships. In contrast, LeBron James’ one title in nine years wearing purple and gold is not good enough.

His individual records and accolades might sound worthy of making him one, but Scott and the cast of Fast Break agreed that an all-time great Laker is measured by the number of rings they have won.

LeBron James’ options open up amidst Lakers’ drama

While the Los Angeles Lakers are taking their own sweet time with LeBron James’ contract, more possible destinations are cropping up almost every other day.

Before the draft, many felt a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers was the most viable option. Even though some hated the thought of it, the recent 2016 title reunion and his presence in his hometown have kept that option open.

Then came the possibility of joining the Miami Heat, and many felt it was worthwhile, considering that is where he started his title-winning run.

Other than those two, there are rumors that he could be best suited to the San Antonio Spurs. But the newest and latest rumor is what has caught the attention of fans, and that is the possibility of LeBron James rekindling his teamwork with Stephen Curry at the Warriors.

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