LeBron James and the Lakers: A Complicated Future

The Lakers might just be fortunate to bring back LeBron James.

Sure, he’ll be 42 next season. Yes, the team might want to center their future around Luka Doncic. And yes, there are definitely some complicating factors in play.

But here’s the thing: James is still playing at an elite level.

In the first round of the playoffs against the Rockets, he was clearly the best player on the floor. In the second round, his stats even outperformed current MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

That’s pretty impressive.

Throughout the season, James showed he can adapt to various roles on the team. He’s not shy about leading or stepping back to let others shine. It’s a refreshing attitude, really.

It’s curious that many fans feel uneasy about the prospect of James returning to the Lakers. With him poised to become a free agent, acquiring him for a ninth season would be a win for the organization.

When James joined the Lakers back in 2018, the franchise was in a rough spot, having missed the playoffs for six straight years. He reignited the team’s spirit, particularly after trading for Anthony Davis in 2019, helping them clinch a championship in 2020 after a decade-long drought.

Fast forward five years, and the Lakers stunned everyone by trading for Doncic in February 2025. Playing alongside James seemingly had a positive impact, as Doncic entered training camp in exceptional shape.

Coincidence? Maybe not.

James is meticulous about his preparation, arriving at arenas hours ahead of games to undergo activation and rehab drills. If one of the all-time greats is doing this at 41, can we really doubt that it influenced Doncic, who’s just 27?

The ripple effects of James’ presence on the Lakers are extensive.

He brings not only impressive skills—like powerful dunks and pinpoint jumpers—but also a deeper understanding of the game that enriches his teammates. His basketball IQ truly stands out.

Even with all this, there are some who still remain skeptical.

Let’s talk numbers, then. The Lakers experienced a remarkable 15-2 run when James accepted a reduced role as the team’s third option in March. During that stretch, Doncic was racking up 37.5 points per game, and James contributed significantly with averages of 18.5 points, while shooting an impressive 56.2%. That’s not something you typically see from a player of his caliber.

Yet, James willingly took a backseat when required.

And then, when both Doncic and Austin Reeves were sidelined in April, who did they turn to? James stepped back into the lead role, adapting without hesitation.

This shift was vital, as no one expected the Lakers to compete without their top scorers. But James quickly turned the tide, helping the team secure a 3-0 lead in the series against the Rockets.

In Game 1, he showcased his skills with a total of 13 assists, 19 points, and eight rebounds. Game 2 saw him leading with 28 points, and he even tied Game 3 with a crucial three-pointer, finishing with 29 points and 13 rebounds.

In the series against the Thunder, he put up some solid stats against Gilgeous-Alexander, who may well take home his second consecutive MVP award.

James averaged 23 points and 4 rebounds, outdoing Gilgeous-Alexander in efficiency. So, why is there still some negativity toward him?

It’s somewhat puzzling; criticizing James seems to have become a sport in its own right since his early days in the league.

Yes, after two decades, he’s not quite as fast as he once was. Yet he compensates with an incredible basketball mind and an impressive athleticism that’s hard to rival.

In the end, the Lakers will need to make a compelling case for him to come back. If he doesn’t hang up his sneakers, he’s likely looking at a significant pay cut regardless of where he plays. Most teams won’t match his current salary of $52.6 million.

If he decides to accept a pay decrease, the Lakers would be wise to pull out all the stops to bring him back.

Because, in simple terms, James is still an exceptional player.

Who knows? Perhaps a decade from now, Doncic will reflect on playing alongside one of the best teammates he’s ever had. What’s clear is that James is a born winner.

The Lakers would be fortunate to have him on their roster next season.