Lakers Trade Rumors: LeBron James "Whisperer" Brian Windhorst Blames Shocking Luka Doncic Move For 4x Champ's Looming LA Exit 

LeBron James "whisperer," Brian Windhorst, thinks the Lakers and the four-time champion's potential divorce began right after the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade in February. The Lakers traded James's longest-tenured teammate, Anthony Davis, a move that shocked the superstar forward.

While Windhorst thought James was involved in the decision-making for that deal, he took a U-turn on that statement after interacting with people close to the situation. During an appearance on ESPN Cleveland on Wednesday, Windhorst said:

"You can actually argue that started when they traded for Luka. I know everybody thought LeBron was in on that. I know I said at the time I didn't believe that—LeBron was not in on it. I don't know what else to tell you. He was not in on it. He wasn't against it. I think he was shocked they traded Anthony Davis. But LeBron was not in part of that decision process."

The trade pretty much ended James' tenure as the center of the Lakers' operations moving forward. Doncic was their new and future superstar, who would open a longer championship window for the franchise than not just James, but also Davis.

While James opted into his $52.6 million player option, reports suggest he's not keen on LA's timeline around Doncic. The Lakers aren't making a splash this offseason in pursuing a championship, and that has sparked trade rumors for the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

With a no-trade clause, James can control where he goes next and work with the Lakers' brass so that both parties go home happy with the outcome.

LeBron James and LA Lakers have mutual feelings about parting ways

LeBron James' potential departure from the LA Lakers seems more realistic than ever after mere speculation over the past few seasons. Several unusual instances have materialized, including the Luka Doncic trade, James being on an expiring contract for the first time in his career, and having no leverage over the Lakers.

He's truly not the centerpiece of a contender for the first time, with LA constructing the roster around Doncic, which Rich Paul addressed after news broke that James was opting in.

According to insider John Gambadoro, the decision to part ways is reportedly mutual between the superstar and the franchise.

"I was told this after the playoffs by someone close to Lebron- Said 'Lebron wants out of LA and they want him gone,' 'Watch Game 1 how disinterested LeBron was' Now MOST people on here know that my sources are not the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon," Gambadoro tweeted.

LeBron James spent eight years in LA and helped the team get back into championship contention after almost a decade. However, with him turning 41 in December and the franchise finding its next star in Luka Doncic, it seems like the ideal decision for both parties to move on.