LeBron James is expected to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2025-26 season, provided that he does not retire.
LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers has been brought into question throughout the offseason. While the four-time MVP opted into his $52.6 million player option, there have been rumors swirling that he could be looking for a way out of Los Angeles.
Those rumors have been sparked by the decision to focus on the future -- specifically maintaining cap flexibility for the summer of 2027 where they will look to find a long-term co-star for Luka Dončić. Despite the ongoing speculation, James is reportedly expected back with the Lakers in 2025-26.
Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points revealed that the four-time champion could re-sign with Los Angeles after the season.
"Some sources take that a step further and posited that not only would James play out the upcoming season with the Lakers, but that he would also likely re-sign after the season with the intent to eventually retire in Los Angeles," Clutch Points' Anthony Irwin wrote Wednesday. "There's also the possibility of LeBron making 2025-26 his final season, but either way, he would be retiring as a Laker."
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"How many teams are going to offer upwards of $60 million without knowing how much longer James will play and given the immediate pressure that would be put on that organization to win immediately?," Irwin added. "After all this, how funny would it be if James not only stays with the Lakers this season, but then re-signs next summer because they still have his Bird rights? Again, sources close to the Lakers and around the league have indicated that still remains very possible, if not probable."
James will be an unrestricted free agent following the season. While he has not announced if this will be the final year of his illustrious career, it appears that he could be back with the Lakers in 2026-27.
There have been rumors that the NBA's all-time leading scorer could be interested in playing with his younger son, Bryce James, after teaming with Bronny James last season. The three-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting class is set to enter his freshman season with the Arizona Wildcats and will be draft eligible in 2026.
More NBA: LeBron James expected back with Lakers despite frustration with lack of direction
Category: Basketball
