LeBron James Says Free Agency Decision Could Stretch Into August; Los Angeles Lakers Want Him Back

LeBron James said on his podcast that his free agency decision could stretch into August.

The NBA legend is a free agent for the first time since 2018.

“I’m still in the moment of just taking my time,” James said. “I haven’t even really thought about it too much. Obviously, I understand that I’m a free agent and I can control my own destiny — being here with [the Lakers] for the foreseeable future or if it’s going somewhere else.

“But like, I haven’t even really got to that point. I haven’t even taken my family vacation yet, which is going to happen after Memorial Day. That’s kind of the thing at the forefront of my mind. But I think at some point in June, late June, as July rolls around — free agency starts to get going and as July rolls around and maybe into August, we’ll start to kind of get a feel of what my future may look like.”

James has been with the Los Angeles Lakers since 2018. The Lakers won the 2020 NBA championship but haven’t gotten back to the NBA Finals since.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Lakers have made it clear they want James back next to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

“The Lakers have made it clear that they want him back, so we’ll see how that mutual potential interest culminates over the next month or so,” Charnaia said.

Most individuals who cover the NBA believe that if James doesn’t retire this offseason, he will either re-sign with the Lakers or return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a third stint. The future Hall of Famer has also been linked to the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors.

A 22-time All-Star, James played in 60 games this regular season. He averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game while shooting 51.5% from the field, 31.7% from beyond the arc and 73.7% from the free-throw line. Los Angeles had a record of 39-21 when James was in the lineup.

A top-75 player of all time, James is a four-time MVP, four-time champion and four-time Finals MVP. He’s played for the Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat and Lakers and is the all-time leader in points, field goals, games and minutes.

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