The Lakers are only one person left! Doncic becomes the only penalty area, James has variables in the future

The curtain of the NBA offseason has just opened, and the Los Angeles Lakers' trading strategy has already triggered public opinion. The well-known Lakers team reporter Qiao Wan Buha threw a bombshell in his latest interview: "Yes, yes, I think it should be the case - except for Luka Doncic, the Lakers can send away any player under the appropriate trading plan this summer."

When asked directly whether Doncic is the only "non-sale product" in the Lakers lineup, Buha's answer was firm and left no room for blur. This statement instantly focused on the Lakers' future team building direction.

Although LeBron James' name is always closely linked to the Lakers, Buha's analysis reveals practical considerations. James, who is about to be over 40, still has top fuel in the fuel tank, but age is a factor that professional sports cannot avoid after all. More importantly, he holds the "Shangfang Sword" of the transaction veto power, and the final decision of any transaction trend involving him is in his own hands.

It is currently generally expected that James will implement the $54 million player option next season and continue to wear a purple and gold jersey. But fans still have to hold their breath and his final decision will be settled before the June 29 deadline. Where the legendary star is still one of the biggest question marks hanging over the Lakers and the league.

Why can Doncic become the cornerstone of the Lakers? Buha's position clearly reflects the management's long-term vision. Doncic, who is only 25 years old, is already the top ball-holding core in the league, and his peak period is perfectly in line with the Lakers' future plans. His salary of $46 million next season plus a player option of $49 million in the 26-27 season provides flexibility for team operations.

What excites Lakers fans is that news from multiple parties shows that the team is actively promoting long-term binding with Doncic. A super maximum salary renewal contract that may reach 4 years and $229 million is already on the negotiating table - this is not only a contract, but also a declaration that the Lakers will solemnly entrust Doncic to the next ten years.

Buha's remarks were like throwing a huge rock on the calm lake. Anthony Davis, the budding Austin Reeves, defensive champion Jared Vanderbilt, and even potential newcomer Jaylen Sifino have been put on the shelves in theory. As long as the returns can significantly improve the team's combat power or optimize long-term assets, the Lakers management seems to be ready to press the trading button.

When a giant team publicly claimed that there were only one non-sale products in the team, the signal sent was clear--the determination to completely reshape Doncic's lineup was decided. James' decision is like a sword on the roof, while the fate of other players is closely linked to the turbulence of the trading market. This offseason, every move of the Lakers management may directly rewrite the team's destiny trajectory of the next few years. The storm in the Staples Center has just begun to brew.