The dust is settling from the Los Angeles Lakers' 2025-26 season after the Thunder swept them on Monday. LeBron James said after the loss that he's still unsure about his future and that he'll take time to decide his next steps. While speaking to the media on Tuesday, Rob Pelinka reiterated that the team would welcome the 41-year-old back for a 24th season.
"Of course, any team, including ours, would love to have LeBron James on their roster. That's a blessing in itself just with what he does."
Pelinka also made it clear that the Lakers will give LeBron the space he needs to make his decision.
Lakers would "love" to have LeBron James back next season
If James continues to play, he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and should have quite a few choices when it comes to where he will go next.
Maybe he will stay in Los Angeles or travel back across the country for his third stint with Cleveland. Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported in January that the Cavaliers would "gladly welcome" him back. Could they lure him away from the Lakers? Or will another team, like the Warriors? Or maybe even the Knicks?
Those questions will continue to float around in the air, though you can't overlook the retirement option, no matter how unlikely it seems. Nothing will be official until it's, well, official.
If LeBron wants to play a 24th season, will it be with the Lakers?
Los Angeles has an upper hand that other teams can't compete with, and it's that the city is the place his family calls home, where he lives with his daughter, Zhuri, and his wife, Savannah. Bronny is under contract for at least two more seasons, and LeBron's youngest son, Bryce, is at Arizona, a short plane ride from LA.
Staying with the Lakers would be convenient for attending as many of Zhuri and Bryce's events as possible, and, of course, staying close to Bronny matters, too.
LeBron's business ventures are also in Los Angeles, which would make things easier for him if he stays in the area.
It's not just about convenience, though. If James prioritizes being somewhere he can have a shot at winning a fifth title (and you have to think that will be at the forefront of his mind), he could do so with the Lakers. Luka Dončić isn't going anywhere, and LA's top priority is re-signing Austin Reaves. Outside of that, they desperately need to find a quality starting big and a couple of wings, and they can do that with the financial flexibility they created to build around their superstar guard.
Speaking of finances, the Lakers can offer him more money than any other team that might be interested in his services.
Los Angeles has several factors playing in its favor when it comes to LeBron. Pelinka said on several occasions that the Lakers want him back. Reaves said on Monday night that he hopes to continue playing with James.
The door is (and has been) open for LeBron's return. Now, it's time to wait and see if it's the one he'll choose to walk through.
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