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LeBron James’ basketball future will once again loom over the NBA offseason.
James’ free agency status this summer opens the door for him to potentially change teams for the first time since 2018. But questions remain about whether he will decide to play elsewhere or close the chapter on his storied career.
As questions swirl around James’ future, ESPN reported that James’ representatives and the Lakers are engaged in negotiations over the structure of a new contract.
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Lakers forward LeBron James stands on the court in the final minutes of Game 4 of the second round of the NBA playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Los Angeles on May 11, 2026. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
If James returns for a record 24th season, he seems focused on securing a deal with the team he spent the last eight seasons with – the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I think LeBron James’ intention is to play, and I think the goal right now is to get a deal done with the Lakers,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on ESPN Cleveland Radio on Tuesday. “Right now, he’s allowed to negotiate with the Lakers, and I believe they’re negotiating. I believe they’re going back and forth.”
“In the next 14 days, I think he’s going to try to make a deal with the Lakers,” he continued.
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James is already the longest-tenured player in the league.
LeBron and Savannah James started dating in high school. The couple share three children, including Bronny James who spent the last two NBA seasons playing alongside his father.
LeBron James poses for a photo with his family at the end of the game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California on February 7, 2023. (Harry Comment/Getty Images)
James appeared on the “Everybody’s Crazy” podcast in October 2025 alongside popular social media personality, YouTuber and online streamer Kai Cenat and two other guests. Savannah co-hosts the show.
During the episode, James reflected on his childhood, work ethic, and business philosophy.
Last month, the Lakers were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
Lakers forward LeBron James brings the ball up the court during the second half against the Washington Wizards in Los Angeles, California on March 30, 2026. (Ryan Sun/AP Photo)
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James largely carried Los Angeles to a first-round series victory over the Houston Rockets without teammates Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. While Reaves returned for the conference semifinals, Doncic was unable to recover in time to rejoin the starting lineup at any point in the playoffs after suffering a hamstring injury late in the regular season.
