LeBron James' future with Lakers could take a surprising turn 

The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James reached a breaking point, or so it seemed.

They didn't offer him a contract extension, and speculation is that he will test free agency after his current deal runs out at the end of the season. As such, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers look like potential destinations for the four-time NBA champion.

Nevertheless, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst just doesn't see that happening. In an appearance on "Hoops Tonight," he predicted that James would ultimately return to Los Angeles.

LeBron James might not leave the Lakers after all

"I don’t know what the number is, but there’s a number LeBron will be able to get more than anywhere, and he doesn’t want to leave L.A. anyway," Windhorst said. "My belief is they will come to terms, but there could be some hurt feelings between now and that agreement."

Of course, James is still playing at a high level, and he would be an upgrade for most rosters. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean teams will be willing — or even able — to pay him top dollar.

The new CBA makes it tougher for teams to stack up big contracts. So, unless he's willing to take a significant pay cut, which he could given that he's a billionaire, he's not likely to draw that much interest in free agency. Windhorst argued that the Lakers don't need to bid against themselves to get him, knowing that other teams will probably shy away from giving him a big check.

"There’s no team out there with cap space that’s going to say, 'Here’s $35 million to play for us.' Sure, the Warriors or Cavs would take him for the mid-level exception or the minimum — of course. But there’s no team clearing $35–$40 million and saying, 'Come to us.' So who are the Lakers bidding against? I’ve talked to both sides, and I don’t hear an answer," Windhorst added. 

While this isn't coming directly from James, Windhorst is well-connected in the league. Moreover, he's been covering James since his days at St. Vincent-St. Mary's High School, so he knows how he thinks and likely has a direct line to people in his inner circle.

James will most likely take his time before deciding what will probably be his final year in the league. That said, a return to the Lakers might be in the cards after all.