LeBron James’ Time With Los Angeles Lakers ‘Is Nearing an End’

LeBron James‘ time with the Los Angeles Lakers “is nearing an end,” according to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.

LeBron will make $52.6 million next season in the final year of his contract.

“The writing was on the wall when LeBron James opted into his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. His time with the franchise is nearing an end,” Pincus wrote. “After polling several NBA executives and player agents, no one could think of a reason why he wouldn’t opt out to re-sign on a one-plus-one deal—with a second-year player option in the $55-$58.5 million range—unless the obvious was true: The Lakers weren’t offering it.”

LeBron has been with the Lakers since 2018. His tenure in Los Angeles has been filled with ups and downs.

The Lakers missed the playoffs in 2019, won the championship in 2020 against the Miami Heat, lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2021 playoffs, missed the playoffs in 2022, lost to the Denver Nuggets in the conference finals in 2023, lost to the Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs and lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs.

Los Angeles is building the franchise around Luka Doncic now. LeBron, who turns 41 in December, is entering the final year of his contract for the first time in his legendary NBA career.

The leading scorer in NBA history, LeBron has a no-trade clause in his contract. If he’s not happy with the Lakers, the Akron native can request a trade and leave Los Angeles.

However, since LeBron makes so much money, it’s difficult for a contender to trade for him.

With that said, all signs point toward LeBron playing on the Lakers next season and then either retiring in 2026 or joining a new team in unrestricted free agency.