Rival executives believe LeBron's free agency will end this way

The Los Angeles Lakers are in a bit of a tough spot right now. 

LeBron James and Austin Reaves will both ask for new contracts, and the new CBA makes it tough to stack big-money deals.

Reaves will likely opt out of his contract to sign a big-money deal, whereas James will reportedly only take a pay cut if the Lakers show him a plan to use the money on some reinforcements.

Then again, even as other teams try to pry him away from Southern California, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst believes he'll ultimately return to the Lakers.

LeBron James might stay with the Lakers after all

"James' willingness to lower his salary could depend on what the Lakers are able to deliver with the savings," wrote Windhorst. "But many rival teams believe this is the best pathway forward for both the Lakers and James and, in the end, both will get there even if there are some bruises from the process."

James' family has been established in Los Angeles. He's been there for nearly a decade now, and moving at this point in his career might not be in his best interests. 

Also, switching teams again might not be the best move to preserve his legacy.

The Golden State Warriors will reportedly be very aggressive in trying to sign him, though they can't offer him as much money as the Lakers.

Moreover, as disappointing as the end of the season was, the Lakers were a 53-win team that would've stood a better chance at taking down the Oklahoma City Thunder with a healthy Luka Doncic.

All things considered, James might be better off staying put. That said, his demands of getting a max contract might not be realistic at this point.