Lou Williams on whether LeBron James should consider leaving Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James will evaluate the Los Angeles Lakers when they open the season against the Warriors.

The Los Angeles Lakers have to start the season without LeBron James, with the superstar suffering from sciatica.

This is the first time the 40-year-old star, who is entering his 23rd NBA season, will miss the start of the season.

LeBron James will be sidelined for several weeks, leaving Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves to lead the team in his absence.

Insider Dave McMenamin told ESPN two weeks ago that LeBron James could re-evaluate his future with the team if the Lakers struggle in his absence.

LeBron James will be a free agent after the season, and everything from renewing his contract to changing teams to even retirement is on the table.

However, the scenario suggested by McMenamin is that LeBron could even request a trade midseason if the Lakers’ season takes a downturn.

Lou Williams said on Run It Back TV that LeBron James shouldn’t be ruled out at this point.

“The West is loaded,” the former Clippers star said. “He wants to win another championship. He wants to be among the elite who have the most rings. He wants to be five Kobes, six MJs. He wants to give himself every opportunity.”

“With the makeup of this roster, they were a team that won 50 games last year and were a pretty good team, but when you get bounced in the first round, it’s not good enough.

“And these teams are getting better and better and everyone is rebuilding. Being in the position that he’s in at this stage of his career, he’s got to weigh his options and keep the door open for whatever happens and make the best decision for LeBron at this point.”

The Western Conference is extremely competitive, so there is no easy schedule for any team. The Lakers’ early schedule will be a test.

They open against the Warriors and will face last season’s playoff champions, the Minnesota Timberwolves, twice in their first five games.

With Luka Doncic on the team, the Lakers always have a chance. But having to start without a player of LeBron’s caliber isn’t ideal.