Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is nearing unfamiliar territory as he enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. He’s done so before, but always by his own choice, opting out of the final year of his contract. This year, his contract will simply expire after he opted in to the final year of his deal for 2025-26.
James is in his NBA-record 23rd season, and remains one of the game’s best players. He’s averaging 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game on 50.2% from the field at the All-Star break, and has legitimately willed the Lakers to several victories this season. But he is also showing his age more than he ever has, having already missed 18 games and with lackluster defense.
There have also been endless rumors surrounding James’ future. There are legitimate thoughts of him retiring at the end of the season, potentially returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers for one final season or re-signing with the Lakers. Despite some noise otherwise, all indications are that the Lakers would be happy to give James a new deal, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
If James wants to play a 24th season, he would be welcomed back in L.A., sources told ESPN.
Pelinka declared before the start of this season that he would love it if James retired a Laker, and, sources told ESPN, that sentiment was meant to reflect a 2026 retirement or a 2027 retirement, if James intends to extend his career.
The Lakers have always been known for their star-friendly environment, even if it isn’t a homegrown star. But it’s very on-brand for this group of Lakers decision-makers to give LeBron whatever ending he desires. The only question would be at what contract figure would they happily bring him back.
It’s unlikely that the Lakers would want to give James another max deal based on how this season has gone, but on a reasonable number, he could be an incredible piece for L.A.
Then, the question becomes if James wants to go to L.A. on a discount. If he’s already doing that, he could easily do the same for Cleveland, or he’d be happy to retire as a max contract player, something very few players in any sport can say.
Regardless, it seems the decision will be up to James as to how his magnificent career ends.
LeBron James discusses how Lakers can contend
LeBron James is openly aware that the Lakers are not currently on the level of a team like the Oklahoma City Thunder. But he had a pretty simple path to L.A. at least being competitive against teams like that.
“Most important for our ball club right now is health. I can’t state it any more clear,” LeBron said during his All-Star Game press conference. “Not quite sure how many games we’ve had where we’ve had a full roster. We’re over the halfway point and there’s not been many games. Obviously I know it’s been a lot more than over half, for sure, and probably even plus that.
“Our success is going to come down to obviously our health. Our coaching staff putting us in the right position, I think they’re going to give us a game plan every night. But when it comes down to what we have to work with, we have to actually go out and see it. We haven’t been privy to having that opportunity much this year.”
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