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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 31: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers points at the two retired jerseys in the rafters to honor Kobe Bryant before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on January 31, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.
LeBron James fueled speculation about his future this past summer when he opted into his $52.6 million player option, signaling that next season could mark a pivotal turning point in his illustrious career.
For the first time since joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, James will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season, leaving fans and analysts guessing about where his storied career might conclude.
Farewell Tour Talk Sparks Rumors
Yaron Weitzman of Bleacher Report polled NBA executives and agents, with many pointing to a potential Cleveland Cavaliers homecoming as the likeliest scenario for James’ farewell tour.
“If he wants to do a farewell tour like Kobe did, it’s the only other team that makes sense,” one league executive told Weitzman. “LeBron cares about narratives. He doesn’t want to be like Michael Jordan on the Wizards.”
Weitzman, who spent three years researching and writing a book on James and the Lakers, said the consensus among those he interviewed is that when James eventually retires, he will orchestrate an elaborate farewell tour reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s final season.
Yet another executive also noted the complexity of James’ position. “The problem is that he’s put himself in a situation where it’s impossible for him to get everything he wants,” the executive said. “He has no leverage here, and he’s not used to that.”
Obstacles to a Cleveland Return
The Cavaliers face salary restrictions due to the second apron, limiting their ability to trade for James. The only realistic pathways for a return to Cleveland would be via a buyout or signing for less in the offseason.
“Cleveland would obviously welcome that,” another league executive told Weitzman.
Still, many insiders remain skeptical. “I don’t think he’d care,” a player agent said. “He knows that playing with the Cavs in the East would make them heavy favorites to make the Finals.” Another agent cautioned, “When you take a buyout, that’s a signal that people around the league don’t want you. And I don’t think LeBron wants that.”
Lakers Keep Door Open
Lakers president Rob Pelinka emphasized that the organization would have offered James a contract extension if he had sought one. James’ agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, told ESPN they never requested one or a trade.
Pelinka remains hopeful that James will conclude his career in Los Angeles.
“I’ve said before, we would love it if LeBron’s story would be to retire as a Laker. That’d be a positive story,” he told reporters Thursday, following the announcement of JJ Redick’s contract extension as head coach.
LeBron Still a Lakers Cornerstone, Pelinka Insists
Throughout the offseason, Pelinka and the Lakers front office operated with the assumption that James would play alongside Luka Dončić, their new franchise cornerstone.
“Once LeBron opted in, we made sure that they had the necessary pieces around them to be on a really competitive, strong team,” Pelinka said. “We built into that, and for the future, obviously, first things first would be for him to make the decisions he wants in terms of how long he wants to play. We’re going to continue to honor and respect that.”
Working within limited cap space, the Lakers added defensive stalwart Marcus Smart, former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, and young 3-and-D wing Jake LaRavia for a combined $19 million—without giving up their first-round picks in 2031 or 2032.
“This summer, we were very intentional in terms of the pieces we added with Luka and LeBron. We have a process. We were methodical in what we wanted to accomplish in the offseason. Now, we’re about to dive into the process of having this team come together … the process of making this team great,” Pelinka said.
A Lingering Question
As the Lakers prepare for the 2025-26 season, one question looms over the franchise: Will James continue playing in Los Angeles beyond next year?
The answer remains uncertain, and it will shadow the team all season as they navigate the delicate balance of championship aspirations and a potential transition into the Luka era.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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