LeBron James has not yet announced his plans for the 2026-27 season, but it sounds like he's already recruiting.
Earlier this week, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that James is negotiating a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. While there have been rumblings about him potentially taking his talents to the Golden State Warriors, it doesn't seem like he's ready to leave Hollywood.
“I think the focus right now is making a deal with the Lakers,” Windhorst said on ESPN Cleveland. “Right now he’s allowed to negotiate with the Lakers and I believe they are negotiating, I believe they’re going back and forth.”
ESPN's Marc J. Spears is also reporting that James is "likely" to return to the Lakers for the 2026-27 season.
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images.
Not only is James expected to return to Los Angeles, he could reunite with former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Kevin Love.
"I'm also hearing that one of his old teammates from Cleveland, Kevin Love, could likely be joining the Lakers too," Spears said. "He's an unrestricted free agent. I could see those two guys being reunited there."
Low-risk move for the Lakers?
In 37 games for the Utah Jazz last season, Love averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
Love, 38, is no longer the player he once was with the Cavaliers. Nonetheless, he could still be a decent option off the bench for the Lakers.
The Lakers would most likely welcome Love since he won't cost that much. As for James, his 2026-27 salary is expected to be pricey.
