Nick Young believes LeBron James should leave the Lakers, arguing it’s “over for him in LA,” while Rashad McCants and Kenyon Martin frame the offseason decision around Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and whether paying at LeBron’s level makes sense for a champions
On the latest episode of Gil’s Arena, Nick Young didn’t pull any punches about LeBron James’ future in Los Angeles.
“Bron should leave. It’s over for him in LA.” Young posted the line as part of his discussion, while talking alongside Rashad McCants and Kenyon Martin about what the Lakers should do in an offseason that feels loaded with uncertainty.
For Los Angeles, the pivot point is simple: build a contender around Luka Doncic. And a lot of the roster creation will hinge on whether James returns—a decision he hasn’t confirmed as of mid-June.
Young even floated the idea of James playing alongside his former teammate Stephen Curry, but he doesn’t believe it would translate into championships. He said, “Playing with Steph would be…I think the league would need that. Mm. I like that. But I don’t think they’ll win there.”
McCants’ view landed harder on the Lakers themselves. He called Golden State the “perfect destination” for James, then argued staying in LA would be the wrong move for a player chasing the final definition of greatness.
“The Warriors is the perfect destination for him,” McCants said. “Staying in LA would be a mistake. They’re not gonna win a championship, he’s not gonna leave on a high horse. If you wanna be able to take the praise of being the GOAT, you gotta leave out on a chip.”
Martin, meanwhile, focused on the reality of the roster and the uncomfortable question that comes with building a team around a superstar who may not want to accept a reduced role. He said the offseason path depends heavily on what the Lakers do with Austin Reaves.
“It just all depends on what they do with [Austin Reaves]. If AR signs what they think he’s gonna sign for, then he come back as number two,” Martin said. “Is LeBron gonna be comfortable being number three again? That will have to come with a pay cut.”
Martin also challenged the idea that James should command the kind of money that can complicate a championship roster. “In order to put a team together around him. no matter where he goes. [he] can’t ask for the max right now. He can. but I don’t think it’s smart for a team that’s trying to win right now. ” Martin said.
And as Martin tied roster decisions to what it means on the floor, he made room for the human side of the basketball fit. “And the way him and Luka play together, their relationship I think matters. I think Luka’s happiness matters to the Lakers moving forward.”
Taken together. the episode laid out one stark theme: whatever LeBron decides in the weeks ahead. the Lakers can’t treat it like a simple return to the status quo—especially with the goal of surrounding Luka Doncic with the right pieces. and with the future of Austin Reaves sitting right in the middle of the conversation.
Nick Young LeBron James LA Lakers Gil’s Arena Rashad McCants Kenyon Martin Luka Doncic Stephen Curry Austin Reaves NBA offseason
Nick Young always talks big lol
LeBron leaving LA sounds dramatic but also kinda makes sense? Like if they’re banking on Luka anyway then what’s even the point of keeping Bron around. Also Stephen Curry thing is random, Warriors perfect destination?? I don’t know.
Wait so they’re saying it’s “over for him in LA” because of Luka? I thought Luka was already in LA or something, my bad. If LeBron plays with Steph like Nick said, doesn’t that automatically mean they win? Unless the league is rigged or whatever. Sounds like people just want a storyline.
Golden State the perfect destination like ok sure… but Lakers can still win without changing the whole team every year. Paying LeBron at “his level” sounds like the real issue, not where he lives. I don’t get why everybody acts like one offseason = championship math. Rashad and Kenyon be talking like they already know what LeBron will do, like he’s gonna listen to Nick Young’s podcast advice. Probably won’t happen but let them hype it up.