The future of Lebron James with Lakers over 2025-26 sure to generate speculations that lead to the training camp
With about two months before the NBA teams refer to the training camp and about three before the season of the NBA season of 2025-26, the future of Lebron James with the Los Angeles Lakers will be a frequent topic of discussion between the media and fans.
In his last column, the NBA journalist Marc Stein outlined many of the key points that will influence James’ decision in the next nine months – and beyond, if the Lakers compete for an NBA championship. But the process could go down to a factor.
Announcement
“Everything really depends on how it goes this next season,” said one of Stein’s sources.
James continued to play at high level, with an average of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game while shooting 38% on 3 points last season. And the Lakers ended last season in a tie for the third in the Western Conference at 50-32. But there were 18 games behind the possible NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Losing their series of playoffs in the first round against Minnesota Timberwolves in five games has also made it clear how far they are from winning an NBA title.
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season]
The president of the Basketball operations Rob Pelinka added the Deandre Ayton center and the striker Jake Laravia and signed the center of Jaxson Hayes. But will it be enough with James and Luka Dončić to contend for an extremely competitive western conference?
Announcement
James is largely responsible for creating these questions by collecting his option of $ 52.6 million for the next season and not negotiating a long -term agreement with Lakers. His agent, Rich Paul, also fueled speculation by releasing a declaration to Espn according to which “Lebron wants to compete for a championship” and “enhances a realistic possibility of winning everything”.
The declaration also recognized that the Lakers were preparing for a future beyond James, which will be built around Dončić.
“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future,” said Paul. “We want to evaluate what is best for Lebron at this stage of his life and career. He wants to do every season that has left the count, and the Lakers understand him, are supported and want what is best for him.”
If it becomes clear that the Lakers will not compete for an NBA title, a trade could be at stake. Stein highlights the Dallas Maverks as a possible destination. The previous reports says that Dallas would be interested in adding James only if he had been purchased by his 2025-26 contract. Would this change in the middle of the season if the Mavs felt on the hunt for the championship?
Announcement
The same probably applies to the Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks and even the Cleveland Cavaliers.
However, if James wants to continue playing, not only in search of a fifth NBA championship but playing 24 or 25 seasons, or being the oldest player to play in the championship at 46 or more, then each of those teams is a possible next stop for him. What Stein’s reports indicate more and more is that it would not have happened with the Lakers.