LeBron James’ career is on the line, and fans are wondering what the next step would be: retirement or a new team?
While it’s in James’ court what he chose to do, a recent comment from Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka is all NBA fans are talking about.
Pelinka has hinted that the Lakers would love to have him back on board only if he decides to join for the 24th season.
To put it in context, LeBron James became a free agent after his eight-year career with the LA Lakers ended this season.
The Lakers president revealed this during his annual exit interviews with reporters.
“We probably haven’t seen a player who has honored the game to the extent that he has honored it,” Pelinka said.
He continued: “He’s given a lot to his teammates, to his organization. And what we want to do more than anything is honor him back.”
The Lakers faced a crushing loss at the hands of the OKC Thunder, 115-110, in Game 4 that ended their playoff campaign on Monday, May 11, 2026.
James told the media after the loss and said he would “recalibrate” with his family over the next few weeks to decide if he wants to retire or continue playing.
Pelinka expressed his desire to add James, saying, “Of course, any team, including ours, would love to have LeBron James on their roster.”
Pelinka later expressed interest in re-signing Reaves this offseason.
Austin Reaves, who will become a free agent this summer, has been the second-longest tenured Laker behind James.
“He started his journey here as a Laker and he’s made it very clear to us that he wants his journey as a Laker. And we feel the same way,” Pelinka said.
James was signed by the LA Lakers in 2018, where he finished eight seasons, the longest stretch he has played for three teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.
On the other hand, Reaves signed with the franchise in 2021.
He had recorded career highs in points per game (23.3) and rebounds (4.7), along with 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
