Jason Burgos
A new update on the situation between the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James shows the NBA icon expects to be treated like a king if LA wants him back in 2026-27.
We are just a few weeks away from the start of the NBA offseason, and one of the biggest storylines heading into the summer is the future of James. The 22-time All-Star is set to be a free agent and will surely have interested suitors around the league, including his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Yet, most around the game believe a reunion with the Lakers is probably best for him and the team. It would give the future Hall of Famer a prominent role on a team that can be a force in the West next season. While LA can be a contender with the status quo and wait until a strong free agent class in the summer of 2027. Furthermore, they could bank big bucks from having James’ unofficial retirement tour.
That last part, as well as somehow still playing at an All-Star level at 41 years old, seems to be why he believes he has the leverage in talks. So, if the Lakers want him back, they need to show it and give a great explanation if the contract offer isn’t for huge money.
LeBron James waiting for pitch from LA Lakers?
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst in a Wednesday edition of The Hoop Collective, James is sitting on his throne in Los Angeles and is awaiting an offer and plan for next season from the Lakers. Furthermore, he is looking for a max deal, and if that isn’t what the team offers, he and his reps want a detailed breakdown of why and who they plan to target with the savings.
James made $52.6 million in the final year of his contract. It would seem crazy to give a player past 40 close to that. However, he showed during their upset win over the Houston Rockets in the quarterfinals of the playoffs, and during the season that he is unlike any 41-year-old who has ever played in the NBA.
James earned the nickname “King” and “King James” during his high school days in Akron, OH. After becoming an icon of the game over his 23 seasons in the game, it seems he still sees himself as one of the remaining kings of the game and wants to be treated as such if he returns next season.
