The Los Angeles Lakers plan to “honor” LeBron James by allowing the 41-year-old superstar the time and space needed to determine his next steps, whether that means retirement, free agency, or another season in the NBA.
President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka emphasized the franchise’s commitment to respecting James’ legacy and personal process.
“We probably haven’t seen a player that has honored the game to the extent that he’s honored the game. He’s given so much to his teammates, to this organization, and the thing we want to do more than anything else is to honor him back,” Pelinka said Tuesday. “The first order of business there is allowing him the time he needs to decide what his next steps are. Does he want to play another year in the NBA? That will be family time, time with his inner circle.”
The Lakers were swept 4-0 in the second round of the playoffs by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, can opt for unrestricted free agency, retire, or request a sign-and-trade deal after eight seasons with the Lakers.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have Luka Dončić under contract through the 2027-28 season with a $57.4 million player option for 2028-29. Dončić missed the playoffs with a hamstring injury.
“What my future (holds), I don’t know, obviously,” James said Monday night. “I mean, this is obviously still fresh from obviously losing and I don’t know. I mean, I don’t know what the future holds for me obviously as it stands right now tonight.”
He added: “I got a lot of time to sit back like I think I said last year after we lost, I think to Minnesota, to go back and recalibrate with my family and talk with them and spend some time with them and then when the time comes, I’ll obviously you guys will know what I decide to do.”
Austin Reaves also faces a decision. The 27-year-old guard has a $14.9 million player option, well below his market value, but Pelinka confirmed both sides are eager to reach a long-term agreement.
“He started his NBA odyssey with the Lakers in a pre-draft workout,” Pelinka said. “He started his journey here as a Laker. He has made it very clear to us he wants to continue his journey as a Laker. We feel the same way. … Both sides have made it abundantly clear we want to work something out where he finishes his career here.”
James was selected to his 22nd consecutive All-Star Game this season. He averaged 20.9 points per game, third on the team behind Dončić (33.5 ppg, league leader) and Reaves (23.3 ppg).
