Though talks of LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason have seemingly cooled down, his future is still in question heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ preferred scenario is for LeBron James‘ contract to drop off their books after next season, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

James is coming off of a 2024-25 NBA season that saw him continue playing at a high level. He played in 70 games, averaging 24.4 points per game to go along with 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and a steal. James also shot 51.3 percent from the floor and 37.6 percent from the three-point line.