The 2025 offseason hasn’t exactly been fireworks for the Los Angeles Lakers in terms of blockbuster signings. But the team has made headlines nonetheless, not for who they’re bringing in, but for what they plan to do with their most iconic veteran.
Ever since ESPN’s Shams Charania  reported that LeBron James had exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season, speculation has exploded regarding James’ future. Some even suggested a return to Cleveland, where his NBA journey began over two decades ago. However, according to a bombshell new report, it appears these swirling rumors might finally be put to rest.
Will LeBron James Actually Stay With the Lakers?
In a recent piece by NBA insiders Dan Woike and Joe Vardon of “The Athletic”, it’s been revealed that James is expected to rejoin the Lakers for training camp.
“In the sections filled with employees from other teams, scouts and executives around the NBA buzzed with speculation about where else James might play, tossing around trade and buyout scenarios that, league and team sources told The Athletic, have never been discussed between James and the Lakers.”
“Amid the constant speculation recently about his future, both the Lakers and people close to the NBA’s all-time leading scorer expect that he will be with the organization for training camp once the season begins this fall, league sources told The Athletic,” wrote the insiders in the report.
Additionally, according to the report, there have been no indications from either James or the Lakers about a potential buyout or trade.
“Those same sources said the Lakers have received no indication from James or his representatives that he would request a trade or ask to be bought out of the final year of his contract, which will be his eighth season with the Lakers, the longest consecutive stretch spent with one organization in his career,” added the insiders in their report.
The rumors of James’ possible departure intensified when fans realized he hadn’t requested an extension. Plus, the Lakers reportedly didn’t offer him an extension either, which raised even more eyebrows.
Days earlier, NBA insiders Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst added fuel to the fire with an ESPN report stating that the Lakers could be preparing to move on from James by 2026.
“The Lakers had already made their statement in not offering James a contract beyond this season. It was abundantly clear that the 21-time All-Star’s time as the face of the Lakers had, for the first time, a planned end date, even if James’ record-setting NBA career did not yet.”
“Whether the 2025-26 season is to be James’ final season in the NBA is up to him. But if he wanted the kind of Hollywood ending that only the Lakers can give legends of the game, the release date was set. Spring, 2026. Luka Doncic in, LeBron James out,” wrote the insiders in their report.
How Did the Lakers Address Their Roster Needs?
While the James situation dominated headlines, it’s worth noting that the Lakers did address a glaring weakness that was exposed during the 2025 postseason, which was their lack of size and consistency at the center position.
This offseason, the front office landed Deandre Ayton, who averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in the 2024-25 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton brings rim protection and a physical presence in the paint. Also, his addition could free up more space for James to create and lessen the burden on Luka Doncic.
Deandre Ayton | Game Winning DEFENSE
Yeah. You read that right.
And he did it for the BLAZERS, vs ZUBAC, no less.
When this guy WANTS TO ENGAGE-
He can quite literally almost do anything he wants on a Basketball floor. On BOTH ends. pic.twitter.com/HjMOQ2LxH1
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) July 13, 2025
As for James, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game during the 2024-25 season. With the latest report suggesting James and the Lakers are locked in for this year together, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he performs in his 23rd season. Whether or not Shelburne and Windhorst’s report comes true and this is his final year in L.A., and potentially in the NBA, remains to be seen.
