The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that they would welcome the return of LeBron James for another season, with both General Manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick publicly affirming their desire to keep the four-time NBA champion in purple and gold. Pelinka stated that any team, including the Lakers, would love to have LeBron James on their roster, calling it “a blessing in itself” given what he continues to bring on and off the court. The organization emphasized that James has given so much to his teammates and the franchise, and the priority is to “honour him back” as they build a championship-contending roster around Luka Doncic.
Sources told ESPN that if James wants to play a 24th season, he would be welcomed back in Los Angeles, and Pelinka had previously declared that he would love for James to retire a Laker, whether that is in 2026 or 2027. The 41-year-old is an unrestricted free agent this offseason for the first time since 2018, and while he has said he doesn’t know whether he’ll keep playing, the Lakers have significant salary cap room and are preparing to make a strong effort to retain him.
The push to bring James back comes amid a pivotal summer for the franchise as it transitions toward a Luka Doncic-led future. Pelinka likened having LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Doncic together to having “three quarterbacks,” describing it as both a luxury and a challenge for Redick to maximize. Reaves himself has been vocal about wanting James back, telling TMZ Sports that he’d love to “run it back” with the future Hall of Famer and calling him “the GOAT”. Reaves, who averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists this past season, is also expected to decline his player option and enter free agency, though league insiders believe the Lakers will prioritize re-signing him.
Despite the mutual interest, James’ return is not guaranteed. League insiders note that if he doesn’t retire, he will either re-sign with the Lakers or return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a third stint. Some reports have also linked him to the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors. There has been speculation about locker room dynamics with Doncic, with claims of a rift, though others within the organization have downplayed any tension.
At 41, James remains an elite performer, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in his 23rd season. He was the best player on the court for the Lakers in their first-round playoff series against Houston, and was an All-Star this year. While some analysts question whether bringing him back on a short-term deal is best for the team’s long-term health as they retool around Doncic, the Lakers’ front office has been consistent that the choice is James’ and the door remains open. For now, Pelinka and the Lakers are preparing for all scenarios, but the message from the organization is unequivocal: they want LeBron James to return.
