Re-signing LeBron James isn't the top offseason priority for the Los Angeles Lakers, but as Rob Pelinka said, the team would welcome him back for the 2026-27 season. The 41-year-old hasn't decided if he will return for a 24th season, though NBA insider Marc Stein said on Sunday's episode of the ALL NBA Podcast that, based on what he's heard, the superstar will be back. But which team will he play for? More specifically, can LA give him what he wants?
"When I talk to people around the league, and when I ask people who have studied LeBron or know LeBron much better than I do, pretty much everybody comes back with that same answer of, 'He's gonna play one more year, but when you press and say where, nobody today can tell you where exactly.'"
Stein did say that everyone knows LeBron doesn't want to leave Los Angeles, but that the question is how much of a discount he will be willing to take. He mentioned that the Lakers' offseason priority is building around Luka Dončić (including re-signing Austin Reaves).
Will James accept a contract that's significantly lower than the $52.6 million he made in 2025-26? Or will those negotiations turn into a sticking point, pushing him to turn to another team?
How much of a Lakers pay cut will LeBron be willing to take?
There is still over a month remaining until free agency officially begins, but before then, Los Angeles should have its answer on whether LeBron wants to continue playing. You can't assume that will be the case, though that's the direction it's felt like he's headed. If that's what happens, the Lakers will try to work with James' camp on a number that makes sense for both sides.
The problem is, at least for Los Angeles, that LeBron is still widely regarded as a top-25 player in the league. Taking a pay cut is one thing, but he could feel slighted by what the Lakers offer, depending on how low they go. We already know that James doesn't exactly view LA in the most favorable light, as evidenced by his reaction in late March when Rob Pelinka gave JJ Redick the game ball.
It wouldn't be that surprising if Rich Paul had discussions with other teams about their desire to land James if things went south with Los Angeles, at least initially. The Klutch Sports CEO will probably do that regardless, although other teams that could go after LeBron, like the Cavaliers, won't have the cap space to give him a sizable contract. Nor should they.
Maybe the finances won't be the sticking point that it feels like it will be with James. Bypassing that "drama" would be nice, considering the Lakers have a lot more to do than retaining LeBron. You should know better than to assume it will be that easy, especially considering how things tend to go in the NBA.
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