LeBron James free agency Lakers future winning streak third option
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 21: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on March 21, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
LeBron James is in the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and is set to become a free agent this summer.
While previously, the expectation was that James would leave in free agency this offseason to join another team in the final chapter of his NBA career, the tide could be turning on a potential return to the Lakers.
James himself has yet to comment about his plans after this season, whether it be staying in Los Angeles, going somewhere else, or retiring.
However, the latest update on James’ Lakers future could mean good news for the team, especially with how they’ve thrived with him embracing his role as the team’s third option behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Lakers Get Major Update On LeBron James Future
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Speaking on NBA Today, league insider Ramona Shelbourne said that if James is willing to take a contract worth less than $50 million (one that would likely have to be near either the minimum or mid-level expectation), the ‘door is open’ for a potential return to the Lakers.
“The sense I have is that this idea of playing for $50 million anywhere is probably gone. But if he is willing to play for less, if that fits with what (the Lakers) are trying to do, I think that door is open.”
Oh No He Didn't
Ramona:
“The sense I have is that this idea of playing for $50M anywhere is probably gone but if (Lebron) is willing to play for less, if that fits with what (the Lakers) are trying to do, I think that door is open”
James is making $52.6 million this season, but any team hopeful both to land him this summer and compete for a title, whether it be the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, or anyone else, he would have to arrive on a much smaller deal.
While there was previous reporting about turmoil between the front office and James’ camp earlier in the season and throughout his tenure with the team, if he is interested in staying with the Lakers, it’s hard not to see that happening, given it would have to come at a massive pay cut.
“Right now, it’s almost like he’d be reversing roles with Austin (Reaves) in terms of salary,” Shelbourne added.
Reaves is making just under $14 million this season, but is in line for a max contract as a free agent this summer.
Dave McMenamin
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When the Lakers signed Doncic to a three-year contract extension last summer, general manager Rob Pelinka said that the team would love to see James retire in Los Angeles, and while some things have happened in between, that reality is still on the table.
“We would love if LeBron’s story would be (that) he retired a Laker,” Pelinka said in August. “That would be a positive story.”
For now, James future remains up in the air, but with how well he’s played in his new role, both he and the Lakers shouldn’t rule out a return if both sides have hopes of winning a championship in the next few years.
Lakers Win Streak With LeBron James As Third Option
LeBron James Lakers future free agent winning streak Luka Doncic
GettyLuke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Deandre Ayton #5, Austin Reaves #15, LeBron James #23, Luka Doncic #77, and Jake LaRavia #12 after scoring a go-ahead three-point-basket in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on March 21, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
The Lakers have won nine games in a row and 12 of their last 13. It’s come as head coach JJ Redick said that he thinks James’ best role on the team is playing as a third option on offense.
“He’s still going to be, and still has been, a high-usage player relative to your average player,” Redick said. “The best thing for our team is being the third-highest-used player.”
Since then, Los Angeles’ net rating with James has dramatically increased compared to earlier parts of the season when he was on the court with either Doncic, Reaves, or both.
ClutchPoints
This stat will only add more fuel to an already ongoing conversation.
When Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves play without LeBron James, the Lakers are 9–2 this season.
And the lineup data points in a similar direction.
Among all the combinations involving Luka, LeBron and Reaves,
His offensive responsibility has dropped a bit, but given his age and the two high-level options he’s playing with, Redick’s plan has worked out quite well.
Additionally, it hasn’t just been James who’s been the driving factor behind the Lakers’ win streak and their shooting up the West standings.
Doncic has arguably been playing the best basketball of his career, recently winning back-to-back Player of the Week awards, becoming the first player in NBA history to score at least 30 points in nine wins in a row, while averaging more than 40 points in this latest stretch.
Reaves has also been playing well, but the Lakers likely wouldn’t have seen all this success without each filling into their new roles, specifically with James, as asking him to take a backseat was likely a difficult task for both coach and player.
Amid their nine-game winning streak, the Lakers are hoping to tack on another as they face off against the Detroit Pistons on Monday night.