These days, whenever the Los Angeles Lakers get knocked out of the NBA playoffs, there is always speculation about LeBron James’ immediate future with them. Much of that speculation is created by James himself, who again sounded non-committal about what he will do moving forward following their Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
But plenty of people seem to believe James will be back for at least one more season with the Purple and Gold. That is the message insider Shams Charania sent during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday.
“There’s no expectation for LeBron James to retire,” Charania said. “I will say that. My sense, my understanding is he will play at least another NBA season.”
In fact, Charania floated the possibility of the league’s all-time leading scorer playing past the 2025-26 campaign.
“The other thing is, does Bryce James, his son — does that factor or play into it at all? His son is going to be potentially draft-eligible in 2026 next year. So if he feels at some point next year Bryce James might be an NBA player, might be a draft-eligible player, does he extend that window? I think that’s the only potential carrot, caveat that you think of out there that could keep LeBron James even longer than at least one more year.
“… He’s got a 54-million dollar player option … My feel is that he probably opts into that.”
The younger James is heading into his freshman year of college at the University of Arizona. At 6-foot-6, he has good size and ample athleticism, and scouts seem very intrigued by his potential moving forward.
The elder James was able to share the court this season with Bronny, his other son. It remains to be seen if he wants to do the same with Bryce James.
The Lakers figure to have at least a somewhat stronger roster next season as they look to find a way to capture their 18th NBA championship by bringing in more support around LeBron James and Luka Doncic. At this point, the only thing the 40-year-old four-time MVP can add to his resume and legacy is another world title.