New LeBron Rumors on Lakers Return, Warriors Interest and Luka Doncic's Impact
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is taking his time before making his decision on his future, but it sounds like he's close to figuring things out.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, "the prevailing sentiment, according to more than half a dozen sources around the league, is that James will likely return to the Lakers if he comes back, with the Golden State Warriors presenting a realistic second option."
McMenamin added that Lakers star guard Luka Doncic "has kept in touch with" James and fellow impending free agent Austin Reaves since the end of the season, but he "hasn't pitched either player on returning to L.A."
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During his season-ending exit interview news conference, Doncic advocated for the Lakers to keep their core intact with him, James and Reaves.
"We had a great team, we had great chemistry, and obviously playing with AR and Bron, it's an unbelievable experience," Doncic said at the time, per McMenamin. "They are two great players, and it was really fun to share the court with them."
Before Doncic's hamstring injury near the end of the year, the Lakers seemed to find a groove, and they put together a 16-2 stretch from late February through the end of March. A source close to James told McMenamin that the 41-year-old "rocks with Luka," so playing a complementary role next to Doncic "does not figure to be a sticking point in James' decision-making."
Still, there will be teams that will try to convince James to leave Los Angeles. Many have fantasized about a pairing between him and Golden State star Stephen Curry. However, McMenamin pointed out that "the most the Warriors, as currently constructed, would be able to offer James is the $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, $37 million less than what he made last season."
James is hoping to add another championship ring to his mantle before he ends his legendary career, so the Lakers will have to assure him that they can remain in title contention next season if they hope to keep him in the fold.
