Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will have a big decision to make after the 2025-26 season, as the 41-year-old is in line to take on free agency for the fourth time in his career.
James’ two-year, $101.35 million contract will come to a close after the season. His agent, Rich Paul, will come together with the Lakers superstar for what could be the most anticipated decision of the upcoming offseason.
Paul, who is the CEO and founder of Klutch Sports Group, provided his take on what the Los Angeles Lakers should do in the decision while talking to Max Kellerman on the Game Over podcast.
“I will say this, Max. When you have a player like LeBron James, on and off the court, etc., you keep that guy a part of your organization,” Paul said. “The Lakers should be delighted that he played there, number 1. Also, they should be doing everything they can to make sure he’s a part of that organization going forward because guess what? You won’t find another.”
The agent’s comments may be a hint at what LeBron James would like to do in free agency this summer.
LeBron James’ Lakers Tenure
As a free agent following his second tenure with his home-state franchise, the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James decided to take his talents to the Western Conference. He signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2018 offseason on a four-year, $153.31 million contract.
Two years later, during the NBA bubble, the Lakers would capture its first, and only, NBA championship with LeBron James on the roster. He would go on to average 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists to lead the franchise to its 17th Larry O’Brien trophy.
LeBron James would sign contract extensions with the Lakers in both 2020 ($85.65 million) and 2022 ($97.1 million).
The closest the Lakers have come to returning to the Finals was in 2023. Los Angeles would get swept by the Denver Nuggets in four games, and the Nuggets would go on to win the franchise’s first-ever championship.
Los Angeles has since struggled to stay competitive in a star-studded Western Conference. This season, the Lakers have begun their playoff hunt with surprising success. Even without co-stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, James has led the Lakers to a 3-1 lead over the Houston Rockets in the first round.
If they advance, the Lakers will have to take on the No. 1-seed Oklahoma City Thunder.
In eight seasons with the Lakers, and 479 games, LeBron James has averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. Despite his age, James continues to succeed when Los Angeles needs him most. In the postseason.
In 57 playoff games with the Lakers, James averages 25.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game.
What Will the Upcoming Offseason Look Like for the Lakers?
Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Lakers will have a lot of decisions to make in the offseason.
LeBron James’ best years seem to be behind him, as he turned 41 in December. With this being said, the Lakers’ long-term future will be in the hands of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Alongside LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, Maxi Kleber, and Jaxson Hayes are set to become unrestricted free agents this summer.
Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton have player options that will also help determine how much cap space Los Angeles has to work with.
Reaves will be the Lakers’ top priority, while LeBron James remains a conversation left uncertain. Rumors have said that James may have an interest in pairing up with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden in a homecoming with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the fact that his kid, Bronny James, is under contract with the Lakers through the 2026-27 season will also play a role in his decision.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks says that the Lakers are in line to have around $50 million in salary cap space to work with this summer. But it’s still to be determined on if LeBron James will be at the top of the franchise’s priority list.
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