Would LeBron James really be ‘welcome back’ next season if he doesn’t retire?
The future of LeBron James was the topic who surpassed himself during the NBA season. James is 23 years old in the NBA and still playing at a pace that ranks him among the best players in the league. So what will the Lakers do in the offseason when his contract expires? According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin in its latest report about the Lakers’ potential offseason plans and James’ future, he would be.
“If James wants to play a 24th season, he would be welcome back to LA, sources told ESPN. Pelinka stated before the start of this season that he would like James to retire as a Laker, and, sources told ESPN, that sentiment should have reflected a retirement in 2026 or an extension in 2027 if James retires,” James said in retirement. his report.
He added: “If James were to return, his salary would be a major factor in determining exactly what kind of team LA could build.”
James is currently making $52.6 million, which should come off the Lakers’ books in the summer. The Lakers are then set to gain $51 million in cap space spend on construction around Luka Dončić. If he wants to return to Jezera, a significant pay cut would be on the horizon.
“While he took a $2.7 million pay cut below the maximum in the last contract he signed with LA to help the franchise avoid penalties for another platform, if he took a dramatic pay cut to re-sign with the Lakers this summer, it would be a significant departure from how he has approached negotiations throughout his career,” McMenamin said.
In his record 23rd season, James is averaging 22 points, 7.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds.
2026-02-17 15:48:00
