Forward LeBron James, without any retirement announcement, could return for his 24th NBA season.
Already, the league’s leading scorer, with four MVPs and a matching championship. However, James, who turns 42 on December 30, is a free agent. A former teammate discussed where the veteran may land.
LeBron James’ Former NBA Teammate Tristan Thompson Believes in a Lakers Return
As arguably the face of the NBA, James can still draw crowds and provide 20-point-per-night production. Now, entering free agency, the future Hall of Fame forward can practically choose his next stop.
Thompson, James’ teammate for four seasons during his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, believes the 21-time All-NBA selection could end up back in Los Angeles. Thompson spoke to Yahoo Sports Daily about James’ possible next destination.
“Could it be a possibility? Maybe. But I don’t see that. I think Purple and Gold still looks good on him right now.”@TThompson thinks LeBron James will remain with the Lakers next season 🤔
(via @YSportsDaily) pic.twitter.com/KU28si5eYC
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 28, 2026
“Could it be a possibility? Maybe. But I don’t see that. I think Purple and Gold still looks good on him right now.
James returning to the Lakers makes sense for many reasons. First, the team owns his Larry Bird rights, meaning they can pay him more than any other NBA franchise. Thompson called out the media’s fascination with James returning to Cleveland but dismissed it as a financial issue.
“Every time when LeBron gets eliminated or is done in the playoffs and the Cavs are still playing, everyone tries to tie this who synergy of ‘Could he go back to Cleveland, could he not? ‘I don’t why he would want to take a discount.”
Next, James calls Southern California his home. Granted, with his money and reputation, he could live anywhere. However, his family claims their primary residence is in the Los Angeles area. Meanwhile, on the court, the Lakers offer opportunities he may not find on other teams.
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Guard Luka Dončić will return healthy to the franchise, giving James the ability to play with a distributor that can also take some of the scoring burden. Doncic led the NBA in scoring last season, averaging 33.5 points per game while dishing out 7.1 assists. Combined with shooting guard Austin Reaves, the Lakers could become a formidable team in the Western Conference.
Plus, the lure of James returning still possesses marked value in NBA free agency. According to ESPN writer Bobby Marks, Los Angeles sits as the best fit for several highly touted free agents this summer.
Lastly, James would once again have the opportunity to play alongside his son, Bronny. He recently spoke about the feeling of being able to compete in the playoffs with his son as a teammate. Whether that factor enters into his decision remains to be seen.
