Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former Laker believes LeBron will finish career in Los Angeles

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 2/27/24

LeBron James has a $51.4 million player option for next season and throughout the season, there's been speculation as to whether he is happy with the Purple and Gold. He wants to compete at the highest level, and the Lakers have stuttered through the regular season.

Nonetheless, former Lakers champion Metta World Peace, who was speaking via FanDuel TV's Run It Back, admitted that he believes LeBron will end his career in the City of Angels.

"As of right now, I think yeah, I think LeBron will retire a Laker," World Peace said. "I can't see him not retiring as a Laker because he brought a championship here. He got them back in contention...I think LeBron loves L.A. The weather's great. And he's one player away. Because he's still playing at a high level. I can't see him leaving."

"I think LeBron [James] retires a Laker...He's still playing at a high level, I can't see him leaving."@MettaWorld37 on LeBron James.

: https://t.co/oxMs3CAEGu pic.twitter.com/n73cGnUEXa
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 27, 2024

LeBron, 39, continues to prove he's still among the best players in the NBA. He could realistically remain at a high level for another two or three years, and there's still time for him to add another championship to his resume. However, he must trust the Lakers front office is capable of constructing a championship roster. Rob Pelinka has struggled to do that since the Lakers last won in 2020.

If the Lakers want to keep LeBron beyond next season, they need to convince him he can still compete with them. Fortunately, the Lakers are known for being a contending team, and their rebuilding phases rarely last too long.

As such, it makes sense for LeBron to remain with the Lakers. He can finish his career with one of the most historic franchises, and he could potentially win another championship in the coming years. That's assuming he chooses to continue his playing career, of course.

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