Will LeBron James wrap up his career with the Los Angeles Lakers? The most trusted insider in the NBA is reporting the situation is trending towards that development.
"I'm told he's likely to opt in," Shams Charania told viewers of The Pat McAfee Show. "He's got a massive player option. That's likely. That's the plan."
Charania doubled down on his assessment from earlier this offseason when he stated a nearly identical sentiment. The NBA insider did add a little bit more to the intel this time around.
Charania said, "He still has about a month to figure out ... because listen, LeBron James, whether he plays one more season or a few more seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment."
With James heading into the 23rd season of his career, and still breaking records, the 21-time All-NBA member continues to represent a key component of any title push in Los Angeles. Rob Pelinka will need to prove capable of the right type of aggression that positions the team for contention.
James' looming decision ticks off a key box in busy offseason for Lakers
James' unprecedented run as one of the top players in the NBA makes him a vital component of next year's roster. Having the expectation of the four-time champion returning to Los Angeles should help deliver a huge sigh of relief around the organization.
Naturally, what Charania says is not set in stone. However, the well-connected insider is reliably on the mark with the information he offers.
The checklist for Pelinka and the front office is a long one this offseason. Despite a 50-win season, it was proven in the NBA Playoffs that the Lakers still have a considerable amount of work to do before challenging for a championship.
If only things were as simple as that too. The Lakers' biggest priority will remain locking up Luka Doncic to an extension in Los Angeles.
Then there's the matter of ensuring Dorian Finney-Smith stays with the Lakers for the long-term too. This is all without mentioning the ever-present conversation of the center position.
"I'm told LeBron James is likely to opt in..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 27, 2025
He's got a massive player option and that's the plan..
He still has about a month to figure that out"@ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/8mzUsMCU9r
"This summer, their number one objective is going and getting a center, replenishing their depth on the wings, and then seeing how does LeBron James, how does Luka Doncic feel about that roster moving forward," Charania said in the same appearance referenced above.
In all this chaos, holding some comfort over James' future will be an opportunity to wipe sweat off the brow. Charania joked on this show that 'this offseason might be the most craziest ever.' The Lakers are undoubtedly a big part of that equation.