Lakers Legend: LeBron Needs To Get The Hell Away From Lakers

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The Los Angeles Lakers have the 10th highest odds to win the 2026 NBA Finals, despite Luka Doncic and LeBron James' claims on their title chances.

The struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers see many people believing that LeBron James leaving the team is the best way to succeed. James’ contract will expire this summer and give the Lakers a lot of cap space to rebuild around Luka Doncic. Stronger defenders and younger players with three-point shooting skills are required for a team to truly thrive with Doncic as the best player.

Despite some names suggesting LeBron might take a pay cut to help the team, former Lakers NBA Champion Byron Scott thinks otherwise:

“I just thought it was laughable coming from one of the greatest players to ever play the game to say it’s harder to play now than it was then. I’m a fan, but I don’t mince words either. I think this should be his last year here. You don’t got to go home but you got the hell up out of here.”

The strong phrasing at the end was a bit comedic since Scott referenced a popular movie quote that people use when it’s time to leave a party. Scott also criticized James for saying today’s game is harder than previous eras. The success of Scott coming in the late 1980s and early 1990s sees him having no time for that take.

Is Byron Scott Right About LeBron’s Future?

The Lakers will have one of their most important summers in recent memory after this season concludes. Both James and Austin Reaves will have the chance to be free agents to warrant big decisions for both.

Reaves is expected to stay as a young rising star, and all reports indicate that the Lakers want him to remain Doncic’s co-star. The rest of the team will need help since the roster lacks a trustworthy starter and requires more “three and D” wing players behind Luka.

Rumors suggest that the Lakers would be willing to keep LeBron if he is willing to take a minimum contract. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst has claimed that James would consider this, but it must be for the right situation. This season ending poorly will likely see LeBron only taking such a pay cut to play for a stronger contender.

Byron Scott Wants Luka To Lead Lakers

Past podcast episodes from Scott have also criticized Doncic for not playing defense and sometimes missing plays while arguing with referees. However, he also believes that the Lakers need to change the timeline of the franchise to make Luka the priority over James.

Last season’s shocking trade of the Dallas Mavericks gifting the Lakers Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis and Max Christie changed the franchise. The Lakers have a top five active player and must do everything in their power to win an NBA Championship with him.

The offseason will most likely require the Lakers to replace LeBron with multiple younger players that fit better around Luka. Too many similarities in the styles of Doncic, James, and Reaves will require change. Time will tell if Rob Pelinka makes the right moves as General Manager to make the Lakers a title favorite again.