We now have a bit of clarity regarding the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/los-angeles-lakers)’ stance on LeBron James’ future beyond the current campaign.
James is on the last year of his current contract, and there has been some speculation about whether or not the Lakers would be interested in bringing him back next season, should he want to continue his career into a 24th season.
Lakers would welcome LeBron James back next season
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As it turns out, the Lakers would absolutely be open to James returning to the team next season, according to [ESPN’s Dave McMenamin](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47949695/why-los-angeles-lakers-quiet-nba-trade-deadline-explosive-offseason-lebron-james-luka-doncic-giannis-antetkounmpo). James has played the last eight seasons of his career with the Lakers, and he helped lead the team to a championship in the NBA Bubble in 2020.
"If James wants to play a 24th season, he would be welcomed back in L.A., sources told ESPN,” McMenamin wrote.
“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.”
_This story will be updated._
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