Analyst offers theory on real reason LeBron James could return to Lakers
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Analyst offers theory on real reason LeBron James could return to Lakers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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It’s unclear if LeBron James will return to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2026-27 for his ninth season with the franchise and 24th season overall.
The four-time NBA champion forward is on the record stating he’ll take things slow following the Lakers' 4-0 second-round playoff loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder before eventually deciding where he wants to play next season (or if he wants to play it all).
If James wears the Purple and Gold for another campaign, many believe it’ll be because he believes Los Angeles will give him the best chance to compete for his fifth title. However, FS1’s Nick Wright views things a bit differently, stating that the 41-year-old could extend his stint with the Lakers for an alternative reason.
“Bron loves playing with Bronny (James),” Wright stated on the What’s Wright show last Tuesday. “It might be the best thing the Lakers have going for them.”
If James, who’s set to be an unrestricted free agent following the expiration of his two-year, $101 million contract extension with the Lakers, signs elsewhere this summer (not a sign-and-trade scenario), it would end his heartwarming partnership with his 21-year-old son.
Bronny just completed the second year of the four-year, $7 million rookie deal he inked with Los Angeles in 2024, leaving him stuck in Los Angeles for a little while longer. Although winning another title is likely on the USC product’s father’s mind, Wright seems to believe that he could prioritize continuing to compete with a contributor with whom he shares a special bond.
It remains to be seen if Wright’s theory proves to be spot on.
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