Superstar LeBron James Expected To Return To Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers fired Darvin Ham and are now looking for a new head coach. The front office is expected to make a bunch of moves in the offseason. LeBron James may opt out of his deal with the Lakers, but he may also return to the team. The four-time NBA champion is expected to make an important decision in the offseason.

NBA insider Marc Stein is convinced that LeBron will enter the 2024-25 NBA season as a Laker. Yes, he did admit that the whole situation is wrapped in mystery.

“At this point, all the signs suggest he’ll stay with the Lakers. We’re not sure yet what the structure will be,” Stein said on the May 3 edition of his #thisleague UNCUT podcast. “The real curiosity is what kind of trade the Lakers can make to upgrade their roster.”

Lakers can still get LeBron to play on their 2024-25 roster

LeBron can proceed in pretty much any direction. He can opt out of his deal and get a three-year contract extension worth $162 million. Sources from The Athletic reported that Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka will try their best shot to keep LeBron on the roster.

“The Lakers, team sources say, would be open to discussing any deal that involves James coming back — including even the maximum three-year, $164 million extension they can offer,” The Athletic reported after the Lakers were eliminated on April 29. “Playing through a three-year deal would put him at 42 by the end of the contract.”

LeBron turned 39 last December, but age didn’t really affect his stats. The Lakers superstar averaged 25.7 points, 8,3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game with the Lakers this season.

LeBron has yet to make a decision on his future in the NBA. He is well aware of all scenarios experts created regarding his next move.

“I do not know yet as I’m only thinking about spending time with my family & friends,” LeBron said after losing the series to the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers didn’t make any moves at the trade deadline. They could go after another star in the offseason. Kyrie Irving is mentioned as one of their targets, but it’s too soon to discuss offseason moves.