After a disappointing end to the campaign, all eyes are on how the LA Lakers will act during the offseason, in other words, who will they aim to acquire and eventually sign in order to curb the frailties that exploited the squad this season. While the focus would be on strengthening the side and building a squad around LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the plans could jeopardize if LeBron James decides to move on from the franchise. The suspense on Bron is still intact. Subsequently, a flow of assertions regarding whether he will stay or leave has taken over the digital space.
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LeBron James to Make Decision on His Future
LeBron James has a player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season. The star forward can use his player option or decline it to cause ripples in the unrestricted free agency.
If James picks the latter option, then he can either sign a new contract with the Lakers or can join another franchise. After playing for his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014-15 to 2017-18, James signed with the Lakers in the summer of 2018. His run in Los Angeles has been full of ups and downs.
The Lakers could not qualify for the playoffs in 2019, won the championship in the following year in 2020, lost in the first round of playoffs in 2021, missed the playoffs in 2022, suffered defeat in the conference finals in 2023 and lost in the first round again in 2024-25 playoffs. The only reprieve they had this season was that comfortably made it to the playoffs, and it was their best showcase in the regular season since the championship-winning campaign of 2020. Moreover, they also succeeded in making a blockbuster trade this year, acquiring Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.
With the presence of Luka Doncic and his son Bronny in the franchise, LeBron is expected to return to the LA Lakers for next season, but there are reports that state that the relationship between James and the Lakers is not as good as it used to be, adding to the possibility of him potentially leaving.
NBA Insider Reveals Relationship Between LeBron James and Lakers Has Been Tainted
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the relationship between LeBron James and the Lakers hasn't always been smooth sailing.
"I mean, I think there’s always a chance that LeBron could walk," Buha said. "As we’ve reported multiple times, and it hasn’t just been me, Sam Amick has also reported this, the relationship has been a little frosty at times. It hasn’t always been the warmest over the past couple of years.
"But I’ve said it before, I think LeBron’s going to be a Laker next year. The only question is whether he’s opting in or opting out and re-signing."
James appeared in 70 games for the Lakers this season. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks.