Speculation swirled around even more so about LeBron James' future after ESPN published a piece earlier this week about the teams he could sign with this summer, which, of course, included the Los Angeles Lakers. Because his agent, Rich Paul, has a podcast with Max Kellerman, fans got to hear an update from the man who will help the 41-year-old navigate the next steps.
"First of all, I don't know what's happening... He don't know either! We don't even talk about it. Just enjoy the moment."
LeBron is in the final year of his current contract with the Lakers, after they didn't approach him about an extension last offseason. He could either retire, re-sign with the Lakers, or end up elsewhere. We're almost at the end of the regular season, and no one still knows what will happen.
The thing is, that's just fine. LeBron might have an idea of what he wants to do, but with the Lakers gearing up for what could be an exciting postseason, fans don't want his future to be on his mind. Los Angeles needs him to be as locked in as possible. The way he's embraced his role as the team's third option is part of the reason why the Lakers are on the run they are.
Still, it's hard to ignore the reminders that this could be his final stretch in purple and gold, or maybe in the NBA entirely (LeBron going out without a farewell tour doesn't feel very LeBron-y, though).
Rich Paul says LeBron doesn't know what he's going to do this summer
Rob Pelinka said Los Angeles would welcome James back next season, but that doesn't mean James will accept the offer. The pull to return to Cleveland for a third time could be too much for him to ignore, or maybe he could decide to end his career teaming up with Steph Curry in San Francisco. You can't forget about New York, either!
Maybe all of those options will be on the table this summer. We don't know yet because how the next few weeks play out will determine that.
LeBron is fine with letting things play out, too. There is no rush for him to decide his future, and, knowing him and his past, he probably won't have made up his mind by the time the Lakers' season ends. He knows how to command an audience, and he will enjoy that attention, as he should.
In the meantime, as Paul said, enjoy what the superstar is doing in his 23rd season. There will truly never be another like him.