Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is one of the biggest free agents on the market, despite entering his age-42 season and an NBA record 24th campaign. He’s coming off a season that saw him average 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists on 51.5% from the field while facing multiple role changes alongside Luka Doncic.
Now he has to decide if he wants to continue playing, what number he’s willing to play for and which team he wants to end his career with. While he weighs all of that, the concept of playing as the third wheel with Doncic and Austin Reaves is reportedly not deterring him from a return to L.A., according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
“LeBron rocks with Luka,” one source close to James told ESPN, so continuing to be asked by Redick to play a complementary role next to Doncic does not figure to be a sticking point in James’ decision-making.
James and Doncic appeared to have built a strong relationship over the course of the 2025-26 season. At the very least, it became clear that any rumors of James being unhappy as a sidekick were overblown, as he comfortably jumped into the third option role midway through the season.
Of course, James still might move on from the Lakers this offseason if he’s willing to take a massive pay cut. But if he does, it won’t be because he didn’t want to play with Doncic. There are plenty of reasons why a reunion wouldn’t work out, even if it is the most likely option at this stage.
If James does return, the amount he returns for will be a big sign for the type of offseason the Lakers are planning on having.
Kevin Love could join LeBron James on Lakers
One recent rumor is that not only will James be back in a Lakers uniform next season, but he could be bringing his friend and co-champion Kevin Love with him. Love, 37, would not necessarily be brought in to contribute, but rather to be an end-of-bench veteran that is well respected by the entire team and coaching staff.
There are still many decisions that need to be made before then, but bringing in Love would likely not affect any other plans the Lakers have.
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