A rival executive sabotaged the new contract the Los Angeles Lakers were supposed to give LeBron James, and it looks like it's a win-win deal for both parties.
On Monday, the Lakers saw a disappointing end to their 2025-26 campaign as the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a stunning four-game sweep of the NBA Playoffs semifinals. Following their 115–110 loss at home, speculation immediately began regarding James' future.
Over the next few weeks, the 22-time All-Star will have to decide if he wants to play another season in the NBA. If he returns for a 24th season, while other teams like the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers would be interested, a return to the Lakers makes the most sense.
"It's hard to fit him anywhere," a West scout told ESPN's Tim Bontemps on Friday. But James won't come cheap, and the prospect of them trading a veteran to capture a title doesn't make business sense for them. An East team strategist also told ESPN's Brian Windhorst, "According to our metrics, he remains a top-25 player in the league, and if it weren't for his age, we probably would have rated him at the max player level."
Should the LA Lakers give LeBron James a one-year deal with a no-trade clause?
So what type of deal should the Lakers offer that makes sense for them in the short and long term, but doesn't offend one of the greatest players of all-time, who is still playing at an All-Star level at age 41? An executive from an Eastern Conference team has an idea.
"As long as it's a one-year deal, no player options, I'll pay LeBron whatever he wants. Give him a no-trade clause. Everything [new Lakers owner Mark] Walter has done good business so far. LeBron sells tickets. he keeps [local] TV partner happy. Re-signing LeBron is good business.
-Eastern Conference Executive (via ESPN)
James earned more than $52 million this season. Still, with the team willing to give Austin Reeves a big pay raise in a new long-term deal this summer, it doesn't make sense to pay him that amount again. Would the four-time MVP be willing to consider a contract in the $35 to $40 million range? Perhaps.
One-year James deal makes long-term sense for LA Lakers
While he wants to chase championships, James is a smart businessman and won't waste his value to benefit a billion-dollar NBA club. The Lakers are one of the few competitive teams that can offer him the money he's worth.
Additionally, LA showed over the final two months of the season that they can be a threat in the West if James, Reaves and Luka Doncic are healthy. If the front office can better complement the roster around him, James has a chance to chase a title in the city he wants to live in, and closer to market value.
For the Lakers, it makes sense to keep James for another season. As mentioned, they will be a very good team again. And if this is his final year, the club could pocket a hefty sum from a pseudo-retirement tour. But at the same time, re-signing him and waiting for the summer of 2027 makes long-term sense.
Big stars like Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns and Kyrie Irving could be available next summer.
