Lakers Hall of Famer Sends Strong Message to LeBron James Ahead of 2026 Free Agency

Jan 5, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) and forward LeBron James (23) react as guard Alex Caruso (4) goes up for a dunk in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers will face a major existential question going into the 2026 offseason regarding one of their star players.

For the first time in his Lakers' career, star forward LeBron James is playing on an expiring contract, meaning he has a few options once the 2025-26 season reaches its conclusion.

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James has publicly said that he is not sure whether he will retire after this season, as he insists his focus is on this season.

If he chooses to play another season of NBA basketball next year, it won't necessarily have to be in Los Angeles.

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"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," James' agent Rich Paul said in a statement issued to ESPN's Shams Charania after James opted into his contract to stay in L.A. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. ... We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career."

The statement was an intruiging one that could be revealing towards James' future plans. If L.A. is truly set on a future-oriented path going forward, re-signing a 41-year-old might not be in theirs or James' best interest. If James is looking to join a contender for his final season (if he decides to run it back next year), there is plenty of speculation that he might want to return to his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Another Cleveland Comeback?

James, who was drafted by Cleveland in 2003, could join a roster that has championship-caliber players — but not necessarily the cap space.

“I think they might need to bring Bron back home,” Howard said on his podcast Above The Rim with DH 12. “Go on back home man. Finish in Cleveland, bring Bronny with you. Take over the helm there in Cleveland.”

Howard's vision is perhaps idyllic, as James would likely have to agree to a veteran minimum contract and bringing his son Bronny James could prove to be a challenge. But nevertheless, Howard's opinion is perhaps a reflection of how the Lakers feel about the aging star. Thanks for 2025-26, but no thanks for anything beyond.

With James out, the Lakers could focus on building around star guard Luka Doncic, who is clearly the face of the franchise.

“That’d be good then because it’s the Luka show over there in LA right now," Howard said.

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