LeBron James is widely expected to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season though he has decisions to make on how much longer he wants to continue playing and whether he prefers to finish his career with the franchise.
James has a $51 million player option for 24-25 with the Lakers. James is expected to become a free agent and re-sign some type of multi-year deal and possibly seek a no-trade clause. James can only get a no-trade clause by becoming a free agent and can't do so as part of an extension.
"I think the expectation is that in one shape or another, LeBron James will be back with this Lakers' team," said Adrian Wojnarowski. "It probably includes declining that player option and doing a new deal. Whether that's a one-year deal or a two-year deal, however they want to structure it. I think there's a working expectation that he's back, but things can change. He can make a different decision later."
Both the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers had interest in LeBron James ahead of this year's trade deadline.