Overview
- ESPN's Shams Charania reported James "hasn't been involved at all" in the Lakers' offseason operations and is focused on reporting to media day and training camp.
- GM Rob Pelinka said the organization will give James "absolute respect" to choose his future and declined to commit to a new contract in 2026, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
- Executives polled by Bleacher Report believe James favors a Kobe-style farewell tour, with Cleveland viewed as the only alternative that "makes sense" to the Lakers.
- Insiders caution that the Cavaliers' second-apron constraints complicate any route back, making a discounted signing or other nontraditional path the most realistic options.
- Pelinka said the Lakers built a competitive group around Luka Dončić and James, adding Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton, as the 40-year-old enters Year 23 after averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds.