Byron Scott believes this should be LeBron James’ last season in LA
When the 2026 offseason comes the future of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will be at hand. The 23-year-old veteran has yet to decide how long he wants to continue playing, and his current contract with the Lakers is set to expire. Obviously, James could always re-sign with the Lakers if he wants to continue his career. But count the former Laker Byron Scott like someone who does not believe it should be like that.
During a recent appearance on Los Angeles radio station Power 106, Byron Scott talked about why he thinks the future of the Lakers beyond this season should include LeBron James.
“I just thought it was funny, coming from one of the greatest players to ever play the game, that it’s harder to play now than it was then,” Scott said. “I’m a fan, but I don’t mince words. I think this should be his last year here . . . you don’t have to go home, but you have to get out of here.”
Judging by Scott’s comments, his thinking seems to be based more on emotion than James’ talent and fit with the current Lakers team. The debate over the power of eras among players and fans seems to be about to end.
What’s not up for debate is how the Lakers’ acquisition of James helped lift the franchise out of irrelevance following Kobe Bryant’s retirement. After signing as a free agent with the Lakers in the 2018 offseason, James led the organization to their first championship in a decade and helped keep them as a relevant playoff contender in the coming years.
This season, James has appeared in 40 games, averaging just over 33 minutes per game. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 49.8 percent from the field, 29.9 percent from the 3-point line and 74.8 percent from the free throw line.
2026-02-27 20:30:00
