I think Lakers have three possible long term scenarios for the next 4-5 year window:
1) They keep LeBron for "five more years" as a face of the franchise on max deal. Money and hype would still be great, but they will be mediocre. Difficult to see Luka staying in this scenario and Luka agents (if not Luka himself) will certainly consider this as less interesting option moving forward for Luka. Why waste his prime years without having a chance to compete?
2) Keep Luka and find a budding star in 2026. LeBron either retires or stays and takes less money to help team build a contender.
3) Trade Luka for a young good player or two and a bunch of picks, tank next season for hopefully drafting a star of the future in 2026. LeBron doesn't make much sense on such a team (tanking impossible) and probably retires or signs with someone else.
My bet would be on the second scenario.
1) They keep LeBron for "five more years" as a face of the franchise on max deal. Money and hype would still be great, but they will be mediocre. Difficult to see Luka staying in this scenario and Luka agents (if not Luka himself) will certainly consider this as less interesting option moving forward for Luka. Why waste his prime years without having a chance to compete?
2) Keep Luka and find a budding star in 2026. LeBron either retires or stays and takes less money to help team build a contender.
3) Trade Luka for a young good player or two and a bunch of picks, tank next season for hopefully drafting a star of the future in 2026. LeBron doesn't make much sense on such a team (tanking impossible) and probably retires or signs with someone else.
My bet would be on the second scenario.