We now have a bit of clarity regarding the 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
As it turns out, the Lakers would absolutely be open to James returning to the team next season, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. 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.”
James will have options after the season befitting one of the greatest players of all time. Should he decide to retire, no one would blame him given how long he’s played and how much he’s accomplished over the course of his career.
But, if he wants to continue playing, the Lakers aren’t the only organization that would be happy to have him. The Cleveland Cavaliers would reportedly also be open to a reunion with James, who spent 11 seasons of his career in a Cavs uniform.
There are assuredly other teams out there that would also be open to serving as a landing spot for James to close out his career.
While discussing his future at All-Star weekend, James was non-committal about his plans. Until he definitively declares what he intends to do, the speculation will continue to run rampant, and it sounds like the possibility of him remaining with the Lakers beyond the current campaign can’t be counted out.
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