LAKERS LEAVE LEBRON OUT THE LOOP OF NEW OWNERSHIP BUT TELL LUKA

In a stunning turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in sports history, were sold to billionaire Mark Walter for a record-breaking $10 billion. The sale, finalized on June 18, 2025, marked the end of an era for the Buss family, who had owned the team since 1979. While the transition sent shockwaves through the NBA, one detail has sparked significant discussion: the Lakers reportedly informed superstar Luka Dončić of the impending sale but left LeBron James, the franchise’s biggest name and a four-time NBA champion, out of the loop. This decision has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about LeBron’s standing with the organization as he enters the twilight of his career.silverscreenandroll.com

A New Era for the Lakers

The sale of the Lakers to Mark Walter, a businessman with a proven track record of success as a co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, represents a seismic shift for the franchise. The Buss family, led by Jeanie Buss, had steered the Lakers to 11 NBA championships since Jerry Buss purchased the team in 1979. However, the financial demands of competing in the modern NBA, coupled with the decline of regional sports networks, made it increasingly difficult for the family to keep pace with deep-pocketed owners like Steve Ballmer of the Los Angeles Clippers. The $10 billion valuation underscores the Lakers’ global brand power, but it also highlights the need for significant capital to maintain a championship-caliber roster in today’s NBA.espn.combasketnews.com

Jeanie Buss will remain the team’s governor and oversee day-to-day operations for “at least a number of years,” according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, ensuring some continuity. However, the sale signals a shift toward a more business-oriented approach, with Walter’s wealth and resources poised to help the Lakers address roster deficiencies and modernize their operations. For a team that won 50 games and secured the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference in the 2024-25 season but fell short in the playoffs, this influx of capital could be a game-changer.espn.comespn.comsi.com

LeBron Left Out, Luka In the Know

While the sale itself was monumental, the Lakers’ communication—or lack thereof—with their star players has become a focal point. According to reports from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst, Luka Dončić, acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025, was given advance notice of the sale and even posted a congratulatory message on social media afterward. LeBron James, however, learned of the ownership change at the same time as the public, a move that many have interpreted as a snub to the 40-year-old superstar.silverscreenandroll.comsi.com

LeBron, who opted into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, has been a cornerstone of the Lakers since joining in 2018. He led the team to a championship in 2020 and has been a vocal leader both on and off the court. Despite his age, James remains a force, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game in the 2024-25 season while earning his 21st All-NBA selection. His influence extends beyond the court, as he has played a significant role in shaping the Lakers’ roster and coaching decisions, including the drafting of his son, Bronny James, in 2024.espn.comsports.yahoo.combleacherreport.com

The decision to inform Dončić but not James suggests a shift in the Lakers’ priorities. At 26, Dončić represents the future of the franchise, with the potential to anchor the team for the next decade. The Lakers’ front office, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, has made no secret of its intent to build around the Slovenian superstar, who is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension after August 2, 2025. In contrast, James, who holds a no-trade clause and is in the final year of his contract, is viewed as an expiring asset, despite his continued excellence.si.comsports.yahoo.combleacherreport.com

A Passive-Aggressive Power Play?

The omission of James from the ownership sale discussions has been described as a “petty action” by some analysts, with ESPN’s Shelburne noting that it indicates LeBron “isn’t in the know about what is happening with the Lakers as he once was.” This lack of communication comes on the heels of other signs of tension between James and the Lakers’ front office. For instance, the team did not publicly announce James’ decision to opt into his contract, a move that typically would be celebrated given his stature. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst pointed out that both sides appear to be engaging in passive-aggressive behavior, with James leveraging his platform to express frustration and the Lakers subtly signaling a shift in focus.silverscreenandroll.comcbssports.com

James’ agent, Rich Paul, has been vocal about his client’s desire to compete for a championship, emphasizing that LeBron is closely monitoring the Lakers’ offseason moves to ensure they align with his goal of winning a fifth title. Paul’s comments, made shortly after James opted in, hinted at dissatisfaction with the team’s direction, particularly its focus on building for the future rather than maximizing the present. The acquisition of Dončić, while a coup, has created roster fit issues, as both players are ball-dominant stars who overlap offensively and present defensive liabilities. The Lakers’ failure to address their need for a true center—exacerbated by the trade of Anthony Davis to Dallas and a voided deal for Charlotte’s Mark Williams—has further frustrated James, who has long advocated for a stronger frontcourt presence.espn.comespn.combleacherreport.com

Fan and Media Reactions

The news of LeBron being left out of the sale discussions has sparked a firestorm on social media. Posts on X reflect a mix of outrage, speculation, and humor, with some fans accusing the Lakers of disrespecting their biggest star. One user remarked, “Ya n the dark ma brotha. Ain’t no damm body talkin bout LeBron James,” while another suggested that James might be posturing for a trade or buyout, citing his lack of communication from the team as a breaking point. Others, however, argue that James’ history of cryptic social media posts and leverage plays—such as wearing a “homecoming” hat in Ohio or training at Cleveland’s practice facility—indicates he’s not above stirring the pot himself.

Media outlets have been quick to dissect the situation. The Athletic reported that James is “comfortable” with the sale, given his likely retirement in the near future, but the lack of notification still stings. Sports Illustrated’s Kristen Wong noted that the Lakers’ actions, including a May 2025 meeting with Dončić that excluded James, suggest the franchise is “slowly phasing out” the four-time MVP in favor of its younger star. Meanwhile, fans on Reddit’s r/lakers community have debated whether James’ no-trade clause and desire to play alongside his son make a departure unlikely, with some calling the situation a “molehill turned into a mountain.”silverscreenandroll.comsi.comreddit.com

What’s Next for LeBron and the Lakers?

Despite the apparent slight, the consensus among insiders is that James is likely to remain a Laker for the 2025-26 season. His no-trade clause gives him control over any potential move, and his commitment to Los Angeles—where his family is settled and his son plays—makes a departure less probable. The Lakers, for their part, believe James will not demand a trade, viewing him as a valuable mentor for Dončić and a bridge to the franchise’s next era. The recent signing of Deandre Ayton, a former No. 1 pick, could help address the team’s center woes and appease James, though the roster still needs work to compete with elite teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Minnesota Timberwolves.sports.yahoo.comlatimes.combleacherreport.com

However, the lack of communication regarding the sale could have lingering effects. James has a history of using his influence to push for roster improvements, and his frustration with the Lakers’ direction could manifest in further public comments or trade speculation. With four teams reportedly inquiring about a potential trade, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the possibility of James finishing his career elsewhere—perhaps with a contender like the Cleveland Cavaliers or Golden State Warriors—remains on the table, though salary cap constraints and his no-trade clause complicate any deal.cbssports.comsi.com

A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Lakers’ decision to inform Dončić but not James about the sale underscores a broader transition within the franchise. As they move into a new era under Mark Walter’s ownership, the Lakers are clearly prioritizing their long-term future with Dončić as the centerpiece. While LeBron James remains a basketball icon and a vital part of the team’s present, the lack of transparency suggests that his influence within the organization is waning. Whether this incident is a minor oversight or a deliberate message, it has added fuel to the ongoing narrative of LeBron’s future in Los Angeles—a narrative that promises to dominate headlines as the 2025-26 season approaches.

For now, Lakers fans can only watch and wait, hoping that the team’s new resources and leadership can bridge the gap between its storied past and a championship-contending future—preferably with LeBron James still in purple and gold.