How and where will the NBA’s all-time leading scorer end his career? Yaron Weitzman explores that topic in a story for Bleacher Report, writing that most people around the league expect LeBron James to eventually retire with the Lakers.
If James does leave Los Angeles, the Cavaliers are viewed by agents and executives as the “only team LeBron would seriously consider joining,” Weitzman writes.
“If he wants to do a farewell tour like Kobe (Bryant) did, it’s the only other team that makes sense,” a league executive told Weitzman. “LeBron cares about narratives. He doesn’t want to be like Michael Jordan on the Wizards.”
Still, James potentially joining the Cavs is highly unlikely during the upcoming season for several reasons, Weitzman notes. If LeBron decides to return to Cleveland, it would likely occur in 2026 free agency, and would require the 40-year-old to take a major pay cut.
For his part, Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka continues to insist the team wants LeBron around as long as he wants to be in L.A., per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
“We would love if LeBron’s story would be he retired a Laker,” Pelinka said about the possibility of re-signing James next summer. “That would be a positive story.”
Here’s more on the Lakers:
- According to McMenamin, Pelinka explained why the team decided to extend the contract of head coach J.J. Redick after just one season at the helm. “We think he’s a special coach with a special voice that’s really helping us define the culture of Lakers excellence,” Pelinka said. “We just wanted to make a clear statement that this is what we believe in, what we’re going to lean into and what our players are going to mold into as we continue to develop the identity. I think having long-term planning is helpful as we build this team and go forward.” Redick said he was grateful for the Lakers’ support, McMenamin adds.
- Redick also touched on his offseason conversations with James and Luka Doncic, expressing confidence in both of the team’s stars, as McMenamin writes. “[James is] in a great spot mentally and know he’s going to give us his absolute best,” Redick said. “… I expect the best version of Luka, and it’s my job as a coach to bring that out on a daily basis.”
- Doncic told Dan Woike of The Athletic he feels “way more comfortable” being a Laker now compared to when he was first traded to Los Angeles in February and is looking forward to the season. The Slovenian guard said he made progress becoming a more vocal leader during EuroBasket 2025. “(Being a leader), sometimes it’s comfortable, sometimes not,” Doncic said. “Sometimes it’s great to be a leader and sometimes you have to say things that you don’t want to, but that’s part of being a leader.”
- Evidently Doncic isn’t the only Laker who worked hard at getting in better physical shape this offseason, as Redick said Austin Reaves has improved his “burst” and “athleticism,” tweets Law Murray of The Athletic. Redick added that Reaves has been the best player in the gym when he has participated in informal activities.
- Lakers alternate governor Joey Buss and his brother, assistant GM Jesse Buss, are launching an investment firm called Buss Sports Capital, McMenamin and Shams Charania report for ESPN. “Our vision is to really go after strategic investments and good partners — specifically sports-related investments,” Joey Buss told ESPN. “Buss Sports Capital is not going to compete with our interests in the Lakers or the NBA. This is our first step towards where the future of sports is going to lead us. It is exciting to see what growth opportunities exist — particularly opportunities that we can add value to, given our skill sets.”
- Athlon Sports contributor Mark Medina shares five takeaways from Thursday’s joint press conference with Pelinka and Redick.
Nobody knows where LeBron will be playing next year not even Lebron knows where he wants to play next year. Just let the season play out and see where he ends up playing.
I’d like to hear from @CapnCrunch on this one. Do Lakers resign LeBron after this season?
Hell no. Jebron has been a liability since he got here. He plays no D and the whole teams stops covering for his no effort ass.
I don’t think its option A but I also don’t think their true option A of finding another superstar to pair with Luka is very viable as well this year
They have 1 first to trade all year this year but 3 at the draft next summer
My instinct is they let the year dictate how next summer goes and if it goes south for whatever reason by New Years LBJ is some nice homeowner’s insurance if he wants to move via trade (for first time ever) to net a 1st.
I do believe Lakers front office has an eye on summer 27 so if alls amicable this year I can see another run back year next year as well w LBJ/LAL
In other words we live in LeBron’s mood ring for a little bit longer most likely if the wins keep coming. Next years free agent class there’s little to chase north of the MLE. I do think Lakers would like to cut ties but circumstances might just lead them into another year of marriage
Thx
My personal thoughts
Id like to NOT see him start the 2026/27 season on the roster opening night even if it means a small step back for that year
Onward ho
*Okc and always with Lukas approval of that vision
The eternal “unfair advantage” for the Lakers: the only team in the league guaranteed to fill empty cap space with free agents. See Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart
If LeBron is cut loose, I fully expect $60M of talent to drop from the sky. Nauseating.
I do not understand extending Redick right now when he had like 3 more years left on the current deals. Lakers front office strikes again
Saying Lebron cares about narrative is hilarious, jumping from team to team cemented his narrative
And another shot @ MJ.It never ends. Only part of LeBron I’ll miss is laughing at his defense while blaming others. And, the excuse making while his media goons try controlling narratives while constantly moving the goalposts.