LA Lakers make final call on LeBron James’ future, reports NBA insider

Marc Stein has published a detailed report looking at what’s next for LeBron James, and when it comes to his time with the Lakers, he believes this season will be his last.

Stein went on to say that LeBron is expected to leave the Lakers in free agency. Given the franchise’s forward-looking approach, both James and his camp are well aware of this.

“I think he knows, deep down, that the threat of him leaving Lakerland next summer is no threat at all now.

“It was a worry for every team he played for through the first 22 seasons of his career, but the Lakers’ widely presumed preferred scenario for their future is letting James’ contract drop off their books after the 2025-26 season.

“Paul’s statement upon announcing the player option decision, which is featured in full further down, essentially hints at this understanding if you read it carefully.”

LeBron James expected to stay with Lakers for the season

Stein also mentioned that James is expected to remain with the Lakers for now. There haven’t been any trade or buyout requests from James, and that doesn’t look like it will change.

“I believe that, as August draws near, LeBron is going to be at his eighth Lakers training camp in a row come late September, which would represent the longest continuous stretch with one team in his Longevity GOAT career.

“He has not asked for a trade this offseason, he has not asked for a buyout. He also surely knows that asking for one or the other doesn’t automatically ensure that either scenario will materialize.

“I believe that forecast is the right one because James understands the dynamics of this league as well as any player ever has.”

If this season does turn out to be LeBron’s final chapter with the Lakers, he’ll be looking to go out on a high note. Teaming up with Luka Doncic gives them a real shot at making a strong playoff run.