Overview
- Cousins made the forecast Monday on FanDuel’s Run It Back, calling a Cleveland return a fitting final chapter.
- James is in the second year of a two-year, $101 million contract after exercising his option, setting up unrestricted free agency in summer 2026.
- The Lakers are 25–16 and sixth in the West after a 6–9 stretch, raising questions about the team’s trajectory.
- Cousins criticized Los Angeles for not consistently surrounding James with the right pieces, saying it should never come to him missing the playoffs.
- At 41, James is averaging 26.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists on 52.8% shooting, and he has emphasized health and availability over long-term declarations.