Insider Casts Doubt Over LeBron James’s Future With Lakers

The NBA insider had an interesting take on the Los Angeles star’s future with the franchise.

As the Los Angeles Lakers attempt to push back to the .500 mark on the season, questions about the trade deadline loom large. But a recent comment from ESPN insider Brian Windhorst about LeBron James grabbed even more attention on Wednesday during his recent episode of The Hoop Collective.

Windhorst and ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks discussed numerous teams and potential trades, but while talking about the topic, James’s future with the Lakers came up.

“I don’t know what’s gonna happen with LeBron in 2025,” Windhorst stated. “I feel like LeBron’s going to play next year, but I don’t know if it’s going to be for the Lakers—probably, but he’s got an opt-out. There’s reasons to have discussions about this.”

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has been tapped into LeBron James’s career since he entered the NBA in 2003 / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Windhorst’s comments are eye-opening, though they doesn’t mean the insider is issuing a report on James’s future. But with the Lakers’ recent struggles and the fact they’re still attempting to find continuity and improve their standing in the Western Conference, it’s a situation to monitor.

Even while he lets Lakers teammate Anthony Davis take on the role as the No. 1 option in Los Angeles, James has posted strong numbers through the start of the 2023–24 NBA season. He’s averaging 24.7 points, 7.5 assists, 7.2 rebounds, and shooting 52.4% from the field along with 39% from beyond the arc.