NBA insider Brian Windhorst revealed on ESPN’s Get Up that LeBron James faces three clear options for his future. Windhorst stated, “He can either remain at Lakers… he could even remain a Laker on a pay cut. He can go to another team… or he could retire.”
James, 41, is in the final year of his two-year, $101 million contract. Windhorst emphasized that a return at his current salary is unlikely due to the Lakers’ financial commitments to Luka Doncic, who leads the team in scoring with 33.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game.
Remaining in Los Angeles on a reduced contract carries a 33% chance, according to Windhorst, with the Lakers possibly restructuring around Doncic. The insider noted that while this would not immediately create a championship team, it could be viable in the next one to two seasons.
LeBron has been averaging 22.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists over 33.3 minutes per game this season. His all-around performance still ranks among the league’s top veterans, but the Lakers’ new ownership may influence the team’s roster decisions moving forward.
Other Lakers contributors include Austin Reaves, scoring 26.6 points per game, and Deandre Ayton, averaging 13.7 points and 8.7 rebounds. Windhorst indicated that LeBron’s role will remain just one part of the Lakers’ evolving strategy as they build around Doncic.
The Lakers currently sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 26-17 record, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. Windhorst noted the league widely understands the challenges facing LeBron and the team, framing his decision as straightforward yet complex due to salary cap and roster dynamics.
