Even though the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be back on track ahead of the 2022/23 NBA season, they still have a lot of work to do. After parting ways with Frank Vogel and signing Darvin Ham as their new head coach, the Purple and Gold have renewed hopes even though they still have their Big 3 on the roster. 

However, the rumors about Kyrie Irving potentially joining them make Lakers fans dream about this team winning another championship next year. Well, that's not the only thing they need to think about. LeBron James is yet to sign a contract extension with the team and this might set the alarms on at Crypto.com Arena. 

According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, LeBron not extending his tenure in LA could mean a return to Cleveland. The Cavaliers will have some cap space after this season, which could work wonders for the King. 

"This is something no one is talking about but is obviously a big thing that could impact next season. If he doesn't extend, then he plays out the year with the Lakers and tries to make the best of it and we start counting the Cleveland Cavaliers cap space."

During the season, these rumors were really strong until LeBron shut them down. Well, that hasn't stopped and every day he spends without signing a new deal with the Lakers, the Cavaliers will look like a more likely possibility for him. Perhaps a potential arrival of Kyrie could make him change his mind, but right now, LeBron isn't closing any doors. 

The Lakers have more problems than we thought and this could become a huge one if LeBron simply leaves. It's still early to say if this will ever happen, but this is the NBA. We never thought James would play with Kyrie Irving again and now that looks very likely.