The future of LeBron James has been a topic that has dominated the NBA season. James is in his 23rd year with the NBA and is still performing at a pace that makes him one of the best players in the league. So, what will the Lakers do in the offseason after his contract expires? According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin in his latest report about the Lakers’ potential offseason plans and James’ future, he will be.
“If James wants to play a 24th season, he would be welcome in L.A. Pelinka announced before the start of this season that he would be fine if James retired with Laker, and sources told ESPN, that sentiment was meant to reflect a 2026 retirement or 2027 retirement if James intends to extend his career,” McMenamin said in his statement. Said in the report.
He further added, “If James returns, his salary will be a major factor in determining what kind of team L.A. can build.”
James currently makes $52.6 million, which will come off the books for the Lakers in the summer. That leaves the Lakers with $51 million in cap space to spend building around Luka Doncic. Should he consider returning to Lex, a significant pay cut would be on the horizon.
McMenamin said, “Although he took the maximum $2.7 million salary cut on the last deal he signed with L.A. to help the franchise avoid second-apron penalties, if he were to take a dramatic pay cut to re-sign with the Lakers this summer, it would be a significant deviation from the way he has negotiated his entire career.”
In his record-setting 23rd season, James is averaging 22 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds.
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