LeBron James, Lakers
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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Three-time NBA champion Danny Green does not foresee a world in which LeBron James would take a pay cut to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season. James, an unrestricted free agent this summer, is widely expected to play at least one more year before calling time on his storied career.
On Monday’s episode of “NBA Today” on ESPN, Andscape’s Marc J. Spears floated the idea that James could accept the Mid-Level Exception or take a pay cut to either return to the Lakers or join another team in free agency. Green — who won a championship with James in 2020 — does not see his former teammate going that route.
“Good luck,” Green said of the Lakers trying to convince James to take a pay cut.
“Good luck trying to get him to sign something way lesser than [the max contract] because of his value,” Green continued. “Even if he’s less of a player, he brings so much to the table, so much to the city — he’s worth $40 or $50 million dollars.”
Lakers Hesitant to Pay LeBron?
As is widely documented, the Lakers are projected to have over $50M in cap space this offseason, even after the $20.9M free agent cap hold for Austin Reaves.
Per multiple insiders, the Lakers plan to use that precious cap space to make significant roster upgrades either via trades or through free agency, with names such as Andrew Wiggins, Tari Eason, Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes, Dean Wade and Peyton Watson earmarked as potential targets, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
The Lakers are also reportedly mindful about not taking on too much long-term money this summer as they plan to be major players in the 2027 free agency, when Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns and several other notable All-Stars could become free agents.
LeBron James Free Agency
LeBron James may not necessarily factor into the Lakers’ ambitious plans, which could lead to the 41-year-old exploring other options in free agency.
This offseason could mark the first time since 2019 when James may test free agency, with teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks expected to have interest in recruiting the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
The Lakers, too, reportedly prefer for James to retire as a member of the Purple & Gold.
“If James wants to play a 24th season, he would be welcomed back in L.A., sources told ESPN,” McMenamin reported on Tuesday.
“[Rob] 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.”
Some insiders have floated the idea of the Lakers facilitating a sign-and-trade to the Cavs, a second-apon team with no cap space to sign their hometown hero. Such a move could also help the Lakers get back some interesting pieces, such as Dean Wade or Jarrett Allen, while allowing the Cavaliers to complete a reunion with James.
For what it’s worth, the Cavaliers are the betting favorites to land James, with ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently reporting that “a retirement tour for the ages” is being planned, which would see the 4-time NBA champion play his final year in Cleveland.