The 2025-26 NBA season is important for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
First of all, the Los Angeles Lakers aim to helm their second NBA championship with LeBron James.
But how the upcoming season goes on could very well determine James’ future in the iconic purple and gold jersey. After all, James is currently in the final year of his contract.
Advances the Lakers’ 2025-26 Media Day, general manager Rob Perinka spoke about James’ future in an interview with ESPN LA.
With LBJ on an expired contract, Pelinka’s top priority is to treat the 4X NBA champions with the utmost “respect”.
“The first thing we want to do about LeBron and his future is to give him absolute respect for choosing his family and his story in terms of how many years he will be.
“He’s got that right and he’s the perfect person to talk about it,” Perinka told ESPN LA.
He added: “We have confirmed this summer that LeBron will add to the voices he will add after he comes in and that LeBron will make the necessary pieces around him a competitive team.
Perinka then dealt with James’ most importantly: his future with the Lakers.
“From a future perspective, the first thing is to make the decision he wants, and we will continue to respect that, and we will continue to let him talk about it.
“If LeBron’s story were to retire as a Laker, it would be a positive story,” Lakers GM said.
At 40, James may soon be looking for a breakup like Kobe Bryant. But does that happen in LA?
Now, ESPN’s Dave McMenamine feels that Perinka is avoiding answering questions about his new deal with James.
“After he gave his first answer, I said he would be happy to follow Rob to decide where his future goes.
“And I said, ‘If LeBron’s decision was made in the summer of 2026, would he want to re-sign with the Lakers?’ Rob said, ‘I wish LeBron would retire as a Laker,'” McMenamin told the NBA today.
“He didn’t actually discuss the option of extending another transaction,” NBA expert added.
Despite the waves of uncertainty surrounding him, James is being prepared for a historic year with the Lakers. But will fans see LBJ retire as a Laker? Only time can be seen.