LeBron James is expected to play for the Los Angeles Lakers next season, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. The four-time NBA MVP hinted that he might retire after the Lakers lost Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals to the Denver Nuggets, but a source close to James told ESPN that he believes LeBron will be back next season.
“Beyond James’ retirement decision — which could be a nonissue, with a source close to James telling ESPN on Thursday that he believes the Lakers star will indeed be back for season No. 21 and fulfill his contract — the biggest question facing the Lakers this offseason is figuring out what to do at point guard,” McMenamin wrote. “After L.A. spent 1½ seasons reeling from its 2021 trade to acquire Russell Westbrook, the need to get the position right should be fresh on the minds of the front office.”
James has a torn tendon in his right foot, an injury he may need surgery on. If the four-time Finals MVP undergoes surgery this summer, he could be out for two months. LeBron, 38, suffered the foot injury on February 26 versus the Dallas Mavericks.
Arguably the greatest player in NBA history, James signed a two-year extension with the Lakers last summer. The King has a player option for the 2024-25 season.
LeBron will turn 39 next season. He averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists this season and made the All-NBA third team. Despite having a torn tendon in his right foot, James still averaged 24.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists in the playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Nuggets.
The Lakers only have three players under contract for next season: James, Anthony Davis, and Max Christie. LeBron wants Los Angeles to acquire Kyrie Irving this summer, but it’s unknown if the Lakers’ front office wants to deal with Irving.
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