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LeBron James’ basketball future will once again loom large over the NBA offseason.
James’ free agency status this summer opens the door for him to potentially switch teams for the first time since 2018. But questions remain as to whether he will decide to play elsewhere or close the chapter on his storied career.
As questions swirl about 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 closing 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 appears to be focused on getting a deal done with the team he has spent the past eight seasons with – the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I think LeBron James’ intention is to play and I think the focus right now is to make a deal 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 will try to make a deal with the Lakers,” he continued.
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James is already the league’s longest tenured player.
LeBron and Savannah James first started dating in high school. The couple share three children, including Bronny James, who has 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 How/Getty Images)
James appeared on the “Everybody’s Crazy” podcast in October 2025 along with popular social media personality and 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 philosophies.
Last month, the Lakers were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
Lakers forward LeBron James brings the ball up court during the second half against the Washington Wizards in Los Angeles, California, March 30, 2026. (Ryan Sun/AP Photo)
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James largely led Los Angeles to a first-round series win over the Houston Rockets without teammates Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. While Reaves returned to the conference semifinals, Doncic was unable to recover in time to join the starting lineup at any point in the postseason after suffering a hamstring injury late in the regular season.
