LeBron James has never been interested in taking a pay cut, being the savvy businessman that he is. And why should he be? Even at 41 years old, James is still providing a legitimate star impact.
Whether you want to point to his enduring on-court production or the marketing boom he brings to whichever team he's playing for, LeBron's value is hard to put a ceiling on, and it certainly doesn't align with a pay cut.
Unfortunately, the Lakers can't afford to pay James his full value after this season. That's why a new report from ESPN's Brian Windhorst makes perfect sense. The Lakers will almost definitely ask LeBron to take a pay cut if he wants to return in 2026-27.
Lakers will reportedly ask LeBron James to take a pay cut in 2026-27
Los Angeles will pay Luka Doncic $49.8 million next season. The Lakers are also expected to sign Austin Reaves to a max contract in the offseason, giving them two max deals on their books moving forward.
If LA were to commit another max or near-max salary figure to LeBron in 2026-27, Rob Pelinka would have near-zero flexibility with which to fill out the rest of the roster. That's the opposite kind of scenario you want to be in if you are trying to build a long-term contender around Doncic.
Luka is a generational talent, but he needs a roster around him that features significant length, athleticism, defense, and shooting. This isn't a knock on Doncic. Even Michael Jordan didn't win alone (far from it).
Pelinka is also surely interested in upgrading at the center position, given Deandre Ayton's lukewarm career in purple and gold thus far.
The writing's on the wall: Los Angeles hasn't factored LeBron into its franchise plans past the present season. It's now the Luka Era, and LeBron earning $30 million or $40 million at 42 years old wouldn't make sense for the Lakers.
Lakers fans would be wise to digest this reality fully, as it points to this season being LeBron's last in LA. Enjoy him while you can!
Rumors of LeBron finishing off his career with the Cleveland Cleveland are spicy, but Cavs fans should also realize that the team would have to diminish its cap overhead substantially for that to happen. Otherwise, Bron would be facing an identical pay cut situation over there.
All in all, James's free agency following the season will be full of intrigue. No one can say for certain where he'll land, and retirement still feels unlikely.