LeBron James Committed To Lakers

After stating that he has not “closed the door” on a return to the Cavaliers during the All-Star break and after his comments about wanting to play with his son, LeBron James clarified recently that he is committed to being on the Los Angeles Lakers long-term. 

“I see myself being with the purple and gold as long as I can play,” James said recently after a loss to the Clippers. “But I also have a goal that if it’s possible — I don’t even know if it’s possible — and if I can play with my son, I would love to do that. Is that something that any man would want one day in life? That’s the coolest thing that could possibly happen. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to be with this franchise.”

Given that they are on the verge of missing the playoffs after being picked by many to make the NBA Finals this year, the Lakers have a lot to figure out in the offseason, which has led to a lot of speculation about LeBron James’ future. 

Being 37-years-old, LeBron James does not have many years left in his career and he cannot single-handedly carry this team in the Western Conference, at least with the talent that they have surrounded him with. 

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Wanting to play with his son remains high on James’ “wish list” at this time, however, he is still very much wanting to contend for more championships in Los Angeles, possibly cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Lakers players of all time. 

His comments during All-Star weekend are very real and LeBron James could very much re-join the Cavaliers near the end of his career and/or play with his son Bronny should he be drafted into the NBA, but heading into the offseason, it does not appear that LeBron is thinking about leaving Los Angeles. 

Set to make $44.5 million next season, LeBron James will be in a Lakers’ uniform, but the big question is about the following 2023-24 season.

Next year is the final year of LeBron’s contract, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2023. 

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As of right now, LeBron James’ intentions are to remain with the Lakers and contend for a championship heading into the 2022-23 season, but should they have another down year and fail to get him the supporting cast he would like, it would not come as a surprise to see James head elsewhere in free agency.