LeBron James signals Lakers loyalty as ESPN insider says Lakers deal talks are underway

LeBron James’ basketball future will once again loom over the NBA offseason.

James’ free agency status this summer opens the door for him to potentially switch teams for the first time since 2018. But questions remain about whether will decide to play elsewhere or close the chapter on his storied career.

As questions swirl about James’ future, ESPN reported that James representatives and the Lakers are engaged in talks the structure of a new contract.

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Lakers forward LeBron James stands on the court in the closing minutes of Game 4 in the second-round NBA playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Los Angeles on May 11, 2026. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)

If James returns for a record 24th season, he appears focused on getting a deal done with the team he has spent the past eight seasons with — the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I think LeBron James’ intention is to play, and I think the focus right now is making a deal with the Lakers," ESPN's Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland radio Tuesday. "Right now, he’s allowed to negotiate with the Lakers, and I believe they are negotiating. I believe they’re going back and forth."

"In the next 14 days, I think he’s going to try to make a deal with the Lakers," he continued.

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James is already the league's longest tenured player.

LeBron and Savannah James first began dating in high school. The couple shares three children, including Bronny James who spent the past two NBA seasons playing alongside his father.

LeBron James poses for a picture with his family at the end of the game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, on Feb. 7, 2023. (Harry How/Getty Images)

James appeared on the "Everybody’s Crazy" podcast in October 2025 alongside popular social media personality and YouTuber and online streamer Kai Cenat and two other guests. Savannah co-hosts the show.

During the episode, James reflected on his childhood, work ethic and his business philosophies.

Last month, Lakers were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.

Lakers forward LeBron James brings the ball up court during the second half against the Washington Wizards in Los Angeles, California, on March 30, 2026. (Ryan Sun/AP Photo)

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James largely carried Los Angeles to a first-round series win over the Houston Rockets without teammates Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. While Reaves returned for the conference semifinals, Doncic was unable to recover in time to rejoin the starting lineup at any point in the postseason after suffering a hamstring injury late in the regular season.

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