The Los Angeles Lakers had a clear priority going into free agency: to find a rim-protecting, lob-threat center — and that’s exactly what they got last week, signing 26-year-old and 2018 No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal.

A report from Front Office Sports claims Buss will remain as team governor for up to five years "at most." That puts a hard cap on how long Buss will be the franchise's decision-maker. Walter is likely going to be able to exert influence in that time but it would appear Buss will still remain in control.

That baton was passed as soon as L.A. finalized the trade that sent out James' handpicked sidekick, Anthony Davis, to acquire Luka Dončić, a 26-year-old megastar more than capable of piloting the Purple and Gold well past the LeBron era.

LeBron James has been with the Lakers for seven years. He recently exercised his player option for the 2025-26 season, but could be open to exploring options outside Los Angeles.

The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers are notorious trade partners after the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis swap in February. However, the two sides could combine on an even bigger deal this offseason.

In Southern California, every move — and non-move — being made is happening with visions of pouncing if another superstar comes calling.

As rumors continue to swirl surrounding star forward LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers, one insider recently painted a bleak outlook.

The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their time in the California Classic Tuesday night, with Bronny James playing in two of L.A.'s three games.

However, the four-time NBA champion received a frightening retirement prediction from his son, Bryce James. "I ain't gonna lie that's OD (overdose-doing too much)," the Arizona freshman said on Instagram Live in response to a comment about him potentially joining his father in the league in 2026.