There have been a ton of rumors regarding LeBron James, but will he ultimately remain a Laker this year?
LeBron James has been the center of attention this summer, with everyone speculating on where he will play moving forward. This is happening even though he just opted into his Lakers contract and still has a no-trade clause. While certain media outlets look for a LeBron angle even when one isn’t there, James’ agent absolutely added fuel to the fire with vague comments that seemed to imply that Los Angeles needed to do more to compete.
Paul clarified that James is not asking for a trade, but he also said four teams have contacted him about LeBron. With so much chatter regarding LeBron, for this week’s SB Nation Reacts poll, we are asking Lakers fans if James finishes this season as a Laker and if this is his last year in Los Angeles.
Despite all the rumors, LeBron ending this season as a Laker seems like the most likely event. He has a no-trade clause and with a $52.6 million contract, a deal that sends him elsewhere and still keeps that team as title contenders seems difficult to do. Also, LeBron has never been traded. He tends to honor his contracts and leaves in free agency. If he wanted out, he could’ve done so this summer with no friction.
His agent has made it clear he is not asking for a trade at this moment, and let’s not forget he plays with his son in Los Angeles. When you factor everything in, it seems that he’ll remain a Laker even if LeBron has some dissatisfaction with the team. When it comes to LeBron’s NBA career past the 2025-26 season, that’s a bit trickier. Does he retire after this year? As an unrestricted free agent next summer, will he commit to the Lakers again?
We don’t know those answers, but according to LeBron’s agent, neither side discussed a contract extension this summer. So, even if LeBron remains a Laker this season, a decision on his future will continue to be a topic of conversation. We can’t ask LeBron directly since it’s the offseason, and he told Dave McMenamin of ESPN that he had “nothing to talk about.” So, we leave it to you.
Let us know what you think will happen with LeBron this year and beyond.
