Option in hand, Lakers expect LeBron James back for Year 23

LeBron James tiptoed through roster-related questions as the Lakers began their offseason following a first-round playoff exit, but the team expects him to return for Year 23 in the NBA.

James, 40, averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists in 70 games in 2024-25 to rank in the top 22 in each category.

His contract includes a $52.6 million player option for next season and ESPN reported Thursday that the Lakers expect him to play "at least another NBA season." It would be his eighth with the Lakers.

James was not ready to discuss his thoughts on next season or how the roster could be upgraded this summer to potentially add a true center. The Lakers gave up 7-footer Anthony Davis in the trade for Luka Doncic and James, who is listed at 6-9, was the team's de facto center for most of Wednesday's series finale loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"No comment. I never say that, but my guy A.D. (Anthony Davis) said what he needed and he was gone the following week. I got no comment," a grinning James said Wednesday night. "I put that uniform on every night, give everything I have and that's all that matters."

Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert had 27 points and 24 rebounds in the Lakers' 103-96 loss during which Minnesota outrebounded the Lakers 54-37.

When asked about returning next season and his future in general, James said he'll take his time to consider the options with his family.

"I don't have an answer to that," James said. "Something I'll sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and kind of just talk through it and see what happens. And just have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play."

A 21-time All-Star, four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champion, James is the league's all-time leading scorer with 42,184 points.

--Field Level Media