Lakers begin another season waiting on LeBron James’ word

When LeBron James wrapped up his Lakers media day interview with Spectrum SportsNet, Chris McGee tossed him a simple, almost playful question.

“See you at next year’s media day?” McGee asked, via the Los Angeles Times.

LeBron’s answer came with a laugh, but it landed like a headline.

“Maybe.”

That single word is the backdrop to the entire Lakers season.

It could mean this is the farewell tour — a chance for fans to pack arenas, say their goodbyes, and celebrate a living legend.

Or it could mean the Lakers and LeBron eventually reach a midseason fork in the road and agree to part ways.

Or maybe it just means what it sounds like: LeBron doesn’t know yet.

And that uncertainty gives this year a different kind of edge.

Three Roads, One Decision

LeBron didn’t give us a hint because there may not be one to give. He’s 40 years old, entering Year 23, and still looks and moves like a guy half a decade younger.

But spring is a long way off, and only he knows how his body (and his mind) will feel when the grind hits its peak.

There are three ways this could play out:

One option is LeBron powers through another big season, then decides late in the year that it’s time. The farewell is loud and emotional, Crypto.com Arena gets its Kobe moment, and the Lakers rally around it.

Or perhaps he makes the call earlier — maybe around the All-Star break — and turns the rest of the year into a goodbye tour, with standing ovations from coast to coast.

Another scenario that the Lakers don’t want but can’t rule out? The “maybe” drags on, tension builds, Luka Doncic takes more of the on-court reins, LeBron needles GM Rob Pelinka for upgrades at the deadline, and the team tiptoes through the final months waiting for him to decide.

Is the Roster Good Enough?

LeBron’s timeline isn’t the only “maybe” hanging over this team. The Lakers were 15–8 in the 23 games he and Doncic played together last season before a late collapse against Minnesota ended things abruptly.

This summer, they added Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and a newly sculpted Doncic, who shed the baby fat and now looks like a guy ready to run a team.

“I’m in a better place for sure,” Doncic said Monday.

Is that enough to make a real run in the West? Enough to convince LeBron to sign up for another year? Perhaps.

But betting against him — the oldest active player in the league — has rarely paid off.

The King Sets the Timeline

LeBron made clear he’s not waiting on Bryce James’ timeline. He’s not staying just to play with Doncic, either. 

“Zero,” he said when asked if Luka would influence his decision. “The motivation to play alongside him is super motivating. But as far as how far I go in my career? Nah.”

Translation? This is LeBron’s show. He’ll decide on his own terms, in his own time, whether that comes via podcast, a social post, or a half-hour TV special titled The Last Decision.

For now, all anyone gets is that one word.

Yeah, maybe.

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