Expectation around NBA is LeBron James will play another season

LeBron James may not know exactly what the future holds. The rest of the NBA seems to think it knows at least one thing.

As in, he’s probably not done yet.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the expectation around the league is that James will return for another NBA season following the Lakers’ playoff exit.

“I do know a lot of teams are calling LeBron James and his camp,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show. “The expectation is that he’s going to play another season and we will see if it’s going to be with the Lakers.”

That last part is where things get interesting.

James is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time since leaving Cleveland for the Lakers in 2018. Most around the league still expect either a return to Los Angeles or perhaps a third stint with the Cavaliers, though the Knicks and Warriors have also been linked to him in speculation.

James, 41, helped guide the Lakers to the 2020 championship and another trip to the Western Conference finals in 2023. This past season, he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists while appearing in 60 games.

After the Lakers were swept by Oklahoma City in the second round, James sounded uncertain when asked about retirement.

“With my future, I don’t know, honestly,” he said. “I don’t know what the future holds for me.”

Apparently, plenty of teams are hoping that future includes them.