However, according to one of James' top critics, Stephen A. Smith, there are at least a couple of reasons why LeBron should not be offended by being left out of the Lakers loop this summer.

Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) talk before the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/lakers as Lakers Insider Provides Update on LeBron James' Immediate Future With LA. The Los Angeles Lakers still believe that they are in a great position to win a championship with both LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the roster. They are still two of the top 15 players in the league.