Saturday night, Shams Charania threw the league into a frenzy. For once, he too thought someone had hacked his phone. Because, well, how could the Dallas Mavericks possibly pull off a trade for Luka Doncic? But with a probable hard pinch on his cheek, the ESPN insider realized it wasn’t a joke, it was “1000% real.” And just like that, the Lakers landed the 25-year-old Slovenian, while AD packed his bags for Dallas.

This meant a breakup between the LeBron James and Anthony Davis duo. LA’s favorite pair that brought their 17th championship home. Meanwhile, with this massive trade, don’t you think Rob Pelinka is planning something bigger?

For 22 years, the NBA has pulsed with one undeniable force—LeBron James. From Cleveland to Miami to L.A., he’s been the constant, the game-changer, the king. Even at 40, he moves like a sophomore, defying time with every dunk and dime. The Lakers? They thrive on his magic. But deep down, they know—this ride won’t last forever. Maybe, just maybe, they’re already bracing for a world without their biggest star.

What did the recent trade mean for Bron at 40?

Lakers front office finally caters to LeBron James’ years old plea

First, let’s see how much is Pelinka paying the the ex-Mavericks guard. The Lakers are going to pay Luka Doncic $43 million for the 2025-26 season. But that’s just the beginning. If the 25-year-old Slovenian commits to a four-year extension with LeBron and Co., he’d pocket an extra $228.6 million. Add that to his current deal, and his total soars to a jaw-dropping $271.6 million. A king’s ransom for the future of L.A.

Meanwhile, Brian Windhorst gave the audience an explanation or rather a possible plan behind the Lakers GM’s massive move. Truly, what does it mean to have Doncic on the team? Windy put it plainly—this is exactly what LeBron wanted. “It takes less pressure on him in the offense.” At 40, he’s not looking to carry the load alone. For years, he’s pushed for “Anthony Davis being the center of the team.” Less burden, more longevity. And now? Well, he might have the perfect running mate. “They potentially fit together very well… less stress on LeBron.” That’s the endgame.

But, isn’t that ANOTHER guard on the team? LeBron James put a lot of effort into making AD play the center for the team. The transition from power forward to center wasn’t particularly enticing for the Brow. However, both he and LeBron demanded the front office to get a 5, but where’s he? Another guard and a power forward. Who’s going to take the role of the center in AD’s absence?

Surely, a 25-year-old star who was averaging 28.1 ppg before injury sidelined him, Luka Doncic is meant to be the next big name for the Lakers. He’s the second star on the team. But his presence will surely disrupt the roster until Rob Pelinka finds someone whom LeBron James doesn’t have to convince to play the five on the team. Moreover, the GM is surely looking ahead into the future with his move.

Rob Pelinka’s search for the perfect roster leads him to Luka Doncic

The Lakers are a mismatched puzzle now. This trade wasn’t about today—it was about the next 5-7 years. And for the first time in 21-plus seasons, a LeBron-led team isn’t moving with him at the center. “Everything the Lakers will do going forward will be about No. 77,” Brian Windhorst further chipped in. The shift has happened. L.A. belongs to Luka Doncic now. Unfortunately, the Lakers have a problem—no big men, no balance.

“The roster is now messed up.” So, what’s next? Do they make moves for this LeBron era? Or are they thinking long-term? “Maybe the next 3-5 years will tell us a lot.” However they play it, the clock is ticking. The front office still has one move to pull before the trade deadline hits on Feb. 6. But then, what if LeBron James could consider waiving his no-trade clause? It seems most unlikely, because as Stephen A. Smith pointed out, “He’s settled for LA.” That’s beside the point, what other options does the Lakers have in the trade market? This is a million-dollar question that the front office needs to look into.

The Lakers just flipped their future upside down. Luka Doncic is here, AD is gone, and LeBron James finally gets his wish—less weight on his 40-year-old shoulders. But there’s a catch. No big man. No balance. The clock’s ticking, and Pelinka still has a move to make. Is this about LeBron’s last dance or Luka’s takeover? Either way, the Lakers better figure it out fast.