Windhorst Drops Odds for LeBron Signing New Lakers Contract amid Warriors Rumors

ESPN's Brian Windhorst feels the Los Angeles Lakers still have the edge in terms of their chances to re-sign LeBron James this offseason.

"I still think it's the Lakers. I think 51 percent Lakers, and then we'll see," Windhorst said during an appearance on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show.

If James doesn't return to the Lakers, Windhorst named the Golden State Warriors as the team to watch.

Windhorst sees a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers as a long shot for James because of a lack of cap space that could require him to sign there for the veteran minimum, he told McAfee.

"I know that everybody loves the idea of LeBron in Cleveland... Cleveland needs interior toughness, and perimeter defense, and LeBron can do some of that, but I don't know," Windhorst said. "Also, that would require LeBron to play for $3 million... until I hear from Rich Paul that LeBron is able to play for $3 million, I'm not going to believe it."

James has not yet officially confirmed that he plans to return for a 24th NBA season. He previously estimated he would make his decision sometime between late June and August.

James' eldest son, Bronny James, is signed with the Lakers through next season with a team option for 2027-28.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has expressed interest in bringing James back for at least one more season after the NBA's all-time leading scorer averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists last season while also taking on a tertiary role behind Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves down the stretch.

Pelinka also made it clear the Lakers plan to build around Dončić going forward. How James feels about sticking around in an offense with Dončić as the centerpiece could shape his willingness to return to Los Angeles should he decide to stick around in the NBA for his age-42 season.