NBA legend LeBron James has a player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season. The forward can pick up his player option or decline it and enter unrestricted free agency.
If James becomes an unrestricted free agent, he can either sign a new contract with the Lakers or join another team.
After playing for his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-15 to 2017-18, James signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2018. His run in Los Angeles has been full of ups and downs.
The Lakers missed the playoffs in 2019, won the championship in 2020, lost in the first round of the 2021 playoffs, missed the playoffs in 2022, lost in the conference finals in 2023 and lost in the first round of the 2024 and 2025 playoffs.
Los Angeles made a blockbuster trade this year, acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers parted ways with Anthony Davis and Max Christie to acquire Doncic.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Most people who cover the NBA expect James to return to the Lakers since his son, Bronny James, and Doncic are on the team.
However, it's worth mentioning that Jovan Buha, who covers the Lakers for The Athletic, said on his latest podcast episode that the relationship between the Lakers and James hasn't always been good.
"I mean, I think there’s always a chance that LeBron could walk," Buha said. "As we’ve reported at The Athletic multiple times, and it hasn’t just been me, Sam Amick has also reported this, the relationship has been a little frosty at times. It hasn’t always been the warmest over the past couple of years.
"But I’ve said it before, I think LeBron’s going to be a Laker next year. The only question is whether he’s opting in or opting out and re-signing."
James appeared in 70 games for the Lakers this season. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks.
Los Angeles lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of this year's playoffs. James averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks in the five-game series.