It’s a critical summer for LeBron James and the Lakers as they settle important matters about their future together. James, who recently picked up his $52.6 million player option, is set to be a free agent again next summer, and the Lakers are treating his contract like an expiring deal for the first time since his arrival.
“My conversations over the last three days have crystallized that the Lakers are essentially viewing LeBron as an expiring contract. And that may sound like a toss-off statement, but that’s not insignificant. LeBron has never been an expiring contract, quite literally,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on First Take. “Never in his 23-year career, over the nine contracts he’s signed, over all the different teams he’s been on. He’s never been on the last year of his contract.
He’s never been, at 40 years old, he’s never not been the franchise player on his team. The Lakers and LeBron, whoever wants to spin their side of the story, I’m not sure what happened, but the Lakers and LeBron did not have substantive discussions about extending his contract, which every team LeBron’s been on for 20 years has wanted to have substantive discussions about extending his contract. And what happens to expiring contracts in the NBA? They’re viewed as trade pieces.”
Throughout his career, LeBron James has always been financially covered. During the instances where he was a free agent, it was because he opted out of his contract before the final year kicked in. In this case, he opted in to that final year, and it has left his future open-ended for the first time since his career began.
While James is certain to play out the 2025-26 campaign, it could very well be his final season in the NBA. After 22 years and countless hours running up and down the court, his body has taken a beating, and it won’t be much longer before he steps away for good. Even if he does return to action, there’s no guarantee he’ll re-sign with the Lakers if they’re not in a position to win the title.
For the Lakers, the best thing they can do now is prepare for a future without LeBron. As he reconsiders his loyalties to the franchise, they can shift their focus to Luka Doncic and getting him the pieces he needs to succeed. That starts with signing a center, and maybe finding a trade partner for LeBron James.
This summer, and leading up to February’s deadline, there will be many calls for James as teams across the league inquire about his availability. With averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game last season, he can still contribute at an elite level, and the Lakers can get a reasonable package in return featuring picks and young players.
While trading LeBron would be a bold move for GM Rob Pelinka, it’s not out of the question yet, given how the situation has progressed this offseason. Ultimately, where LeBron goes will depend on several factors, but if the Lakers do trade him, it’s going to be a deal that’s in the best interest of the franchise.
