What Rob Pelinka thinks about LeBron James’ future with Lakers, reveals Dave McMenamin

Rob Pelinka addressed LeBron James’ future

Ahead of the Lakers’ 2025-26 Media Day, general manager Rob Pelinka spoke about James’ future in an interview with ESPN LA.

With LBJ being on an expiring contract, Pelinka’s No. 1 priority is to treat the 4x NBA champion with utmost ‘respect.’

“The first thing we want to do in terms of LeBron and his future is give him absolute respect to choose his story with his family in terms of how many years he’s going to play.

“He’s earned that right, and he’s the best one to talk about that,” Pelinka told ESPN LA.

He added: “We were very intentional this summer about the voices we add once LeBron opted in, making sure LeBron had the necessary pieces around him to be a competitive team. We built into that and for that.”

Pelinka then addressed the most important thing about James – his future with the Lakers.

“In terms of the future, the first things first would be for him to make the decisions he wants to. We’re going to continue to honor and respect that and let him speak into that.

“We would love it if LeBron’s story were to retire as a Laker. That would be a positive story,” the Lakers GM stated.

Dave McMenamin reveals Rob Pelinka never discussed the option of extending LeBron James’ deal

At 40 years old, James could soon be searching for a Kobe Bryant-like farewell. But will that happen in LA?

Well, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin feels that Pelinka is avoiding answering questions about a new deal with James.

“I followed up with Rob after he gave his initial answer, saying that he would be welcome to LeBron deciding where his future goes.

“And I said, ‘What if LeBron’s decision is in the summer of 2026, he wants to re-sign with the Lakers?’ And Rob said, ‘We would love if LeBron retired as a Laker,'” McMenamin said on NBA Today.

“He didn’t discuss the option of actually extending another deal,” the NBA expert added.

Despite a wave of uncertainty surrounding him, James is set for a historic year with the Lakers. But will fans see LBJ retire as a Laker? Only time will tell.