The most-likely scenario, according to Dan Woike and Joe Vardon of The Athletic, is James stays put and the Lakers see how far they can get next season with a core of James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, plus free-agent additions Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia.

There has been plenty of LeBron James trade speculation this summer, but could he still wind up retiring with the Lakers?

The Los Angeles Lakers are clearly planning their future around generational superstar Luka Doncic. Ever since they acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks, the torch has been passed from LeBron James to Doncic as the face of the future.

Last season, the LA Lakers pulled off a stunning blockbuster by acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. As they continue to build out around their new superstar talent, one key member of the Denver Nuggets is on their radar as a possible running mate.