LeBron James Makes His Feelings Crystal Clear About Expectations for Next Season

LeBron James (Image Credits: Imagn)

LeBron James Makes His Feelings Crystal Clear About Expectations for Next Season

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Debmallya Chakraborty | Last updated May 22, 2026 3:03 AM ET

With the Los Angeles Lakers concluding yet another disappointing season, the rumors regarding LeBron James’ future are on the rise. Playing against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the purple and gold brigade got swept clean 0-4. With a roster shakeup becoming evident, King James recently doubled down on what his expectations will be for the next season.

James has already made it clear that he will be trying to win next year. Keeping the same narrative, the 41-year-old pointed out how he does not want to take a step backward at this point in his career.

Speaking on the ‘Mind The Game’ podcast, the Lakers’ legend said, “Being around a group of guys that feel the same way and trying not to take a step backwards. So, yeah I’m not going anywhere it’s a start over at year 24 or things of that nature.”

LeBron James says if he returns next season winning is most important goal

“Being around a group of guys that feel the same way and trying not to take a step backwards. So, yeah I’m not going anywhere it’s a start over at year 24 or things of that nature.”

(Via @mindthegamepod) pic.twitter.com/nPdS63AIBL
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) May 21, 2026

Surely, this might be a hint regarding which team the 4-time NBA champion wants to play. This season, despite all the criticism, the star player had an incredible outing. In the absence of Luka Doncic in the playoffs, James carried his team against the Houston Rockets in round 1. Playing against the Thunder, too, the NBA icon dropped some impressive numbers, which unfortunately, were not enough.

This streak saw rumors surfacing about James possibly joining the Cleveland Cavaliers. And according to what he said recently, indications are that the legend is still giving a lot of thought on his next move. But one thing is evident. The 22-time NBA All-Star will come back in the next season. And that is what Shams Charania believes, too.

NBA Insider Expects LeBron James To Comeback For One More Season

Together with Doncic and Austin Reaves, James formed a formidable trio. Unfortunately, when both of them got injured, the 41-year-old ran out of options within the team. Certainly, this will be a situation that the Lakers’ front office needs to address. And if they can add some quality players, King James’ aim of trying to win another championship might not be a dream anymore.

Speaking about James’ future, ESPN’s Shams Charania said on ‘The Rich Eisen Show,’ “All the indications I’ve gotten over the course of the year is that he’s going to play one more season. The where, the how much of it all, that’s obviously going to be a factor.”

Thus, with a lot going on, fans will be eager to see what James decides next. And if he does leave the Lakers, the following season will be quite interesting to watch.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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