New Lakers Rumors on LeBron Backup Plan If Star Doesn't Give LA 'An Answer' amid Warriors Buzz

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly are making alternate plans in the event that LeBron James does not re-sign with them or give them an answer in a timely manner regarding his free agency decision.

During an appearance Tuesday on Get Up, ESPN's Vincent Goodwill reported, "From what I've heard, the Lakers are also planning contingencies in case LeBron does not come back. They reached out to a few agents and said, 'Hey, if we don't get an answer, we're going to reach out to you about your client.' And those players are particularly guys who play LeBron's position."

After spending the past eight seasons with the Lakers, the 41-year-old James is set to become a free agent Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET when the free-agent negotiating period commences.

James has been the focus of multiple rumors in recent weeks related to both a potential return to the Lakers, and to the possibility of him going elsewhere.

During an appearance on NBA Today two weeks ago, ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported that he had been hearing James was "likely" to re-sign with the Lakers:

However, there reportedly has yet to be any major movement in the direction of the two sides agreeing to a new deal.

On Monday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst gave an update on LeBron and the Lakers on his Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast (beginning at the 39:30 mark), saying, "But there have been no further talks. And from what I understand, the Lakers have not made an offer. But LeBron, from what I understand as of today when I got this update, LeBron has not made himself available to meet with the Lakers yet."

Windhorst added, "It's been communicated to me that the No. 1 thing for LeBron next season is happiness, not money," which suggests James could be open to going elsewhere for less money if he views it as a better situation.

ESPN's Shams Charania (h/t ESPN's Anthony Slater) reported Monday that Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option for 2026-27 to give the Warriors the flexibility needed to potentially pursue James in free agency.

Charania added that the Warriors could also look to acquire Anthony Davis in a trade with the Washington Wizards in an effort to appeal to James even more since LeBron and AD won a championship together with the Lakers and share the same agent.

James teaming up with Warriors star Stephen Curry has long been a dream scenario among NBA fans, and they got a taste of it during the 2024 Summer Olympics when they led Team USA to a gold medal.

It is fair to wonder if a team spearheaded by James (41), Curry (38), Green (36) and the oft-injured Davis (33) could make a deep playoff run in 2027, but it may represent the Warriors' best chance.

As for the Lakers, they have their long-term core in place with Luka Dončić signed through at least 2028 and Austin Reaves signed through at least 2029 after recently inking a four-year, $184.8 million extension with Los Angeles.

It is fair to wonder if there is anyone else available who would be able to adequately replace James even at the age of 41, but should LeBron depart L.A., the Lakers could emerge as a desirable landing spot for some of the other top free agents or trade candidates.