The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a crucial offseason after being bounced out in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Los Angeles has a lot of questions to answer surrounding the roster, but none may be bigger than what the future holds for star forward LeBron James.
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The Lakers star has mentioned retirement in each of the past few offseasons, putting the idea on the table once again. But many around the NBA believe that James will play for at least one more season before he calls it quits.
James has a $52.6 million player option for next season, and many expect him to opt out to enter free agency. The star is expected to remain with the Lakers, but in free agency, anything can happen.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report predicted how the top NBA free agents' offseasons would go, including James. Buckley has James opting out, but remaining with Los Angeles.
"Maybe he's not interested in putting that much finality to it, though. Not with his son, Bryce James, potentially becoming draft-eligible in 2026. LeBron lasting long enough to team up with Bronny James is incredible, but suiting up alongside both of his sons would certainly hold some appeal."
"Look for James to give himself a bit of wiggle room, then, by declining his option and re-signing with the Lakers on a two-year, roughly $105 million deal with a player option on the second season."
James played in 70 games for the Lakers this past season and showed no signs of slowing down despite his age. For the year, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game.
The Lakers swapped star big man Anthony Davis for guard Luka Doncic at the trade deadline, giving Los Angeles a younger star to pair with James. The duo worked well together and helped the team earn the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture.
With the two stars likely to get a full season together, the sky is the limit for the Lakers. But priority one is finalizing the contract status of James this summer.
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This story was originally published May 15, 2025 at 11:38 AM.