The Big Lead

LeBron James confidants not ruling out NBA return with team other than Lakers

NBA superstar LeBron James is expected to return for the 2025-26 season, but it may not be with the Los Angeles Lakers.

By Josh Sanchez

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reacts to a replay that confirms he fouled Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reacts to a replay that confirms he fouled Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards. / Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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Immediately after LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were bounced from the NBA Playoffs in the first round thanks to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves, questions began swirling about his future in the league.

Will he or won't he retire? This will be the question until LeBron decides to finally hang it up, but for now, it looks like LeBron plans to return for the 2025-26 season.

A report from Jovan Buha and Sam Amick from The Athletic looked at what could be next for LeBron by talking to people close to the superstar and sources around the association.

MORE: NBA Insider reveals two key reasons why LeBron James won’t retire

One of the most revealing notes from the report was that those close to LeBron are "not ruling out" him deciding to finish his career on a team other than the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots past Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots past Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

"So, might James think about finishing his career elsewhere in pursuit of a fifth ring? When posed that question, both league sources close to James and team sources would not rule that possibility out. And that was before the revealing elimination game," the report read.

MORE: Anthony Edwards seen walking around LA with fans after beating Lakers

One of the wildest possibilities would be LeBron reuniting with former Lakers teammate Anthony Davis on the Dallas Mavericks.

Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis during pregame ceremonies before a game against the Miami Heat.
Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis during pregame ceremonies before a game against the Miami Heat. / Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

After the game, LeBron took a shot at the Lakers front office for trading Davis in the deal that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles. Ultimately, in the series against Minnesota, the lack of a big man presence is what did the Lakers in.

It would be a crazy turn for the NBA if LeBron and AD teamed up with James' old pal Kyrie Irving in Dallas after all of the hoopla about the Luka trade. But hey, maybe Nico Harrison could get back in the good favor of Mavericks fans if he was able to pull it off.

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