LeBron James had just faced his earliest playoff career exit. The Denver Nuggets beat the Lakers in five games, thanks to Jamal Murray once again drilling the final dagger. Following the loss, the King made some cryptic comments about his future in the NBA. He refused to answer questions about being a Laker next season. Moreover, there was a thought of retirement floating in the room.

James made it crisp—his only priority at the moment was spending time with his family. With him committing to play for Team USA over the summer in Paris, the 39-year-old wants to value time with his loved ones as much as possible. Such a statement was bound to create a rampant reaction.

NBA fans and media houses began speculating on Bron’s future. Reacting to the outrage, James took to X to double down on his retirement claims. “I’ve seen, heard a lot of reports about my future. I said it last night and I’ll say it again. I do not know yet, as I’m only thinking about spending time with my family & friends!” he clarified.

Stephen A. Smith couldn’t wait, however. He invited popular NBA insider Brian Windhorst on his show and the two made a probable case for what the future holds for the 20-time All-Star forward.

LeBron James won’t ask for the Lakers for a Bronny James trade

Windhorst was in awe of the way LeBron James had placed himself before the next season. “He was very strategic in how he walked away in his last media session,” he said. The insider believes the 39-year-old has left the doors open for all possibilities. Additionally, everyone was talking about it, something James knew, according to Windhorst.

Despite there being a number of possible lanes for James to move to, Windhorst shut down two variables. “I do not actually believe that he would leave Los Angeles just to play with Bronny. At least not this year. Nor do I believe that LeBron would ever walk into Rob Pelinka’s office or call Jeanie Buss to say, ‘would you please draft’ or, if he doesn’t get drafted, acquire by signing Bronny. I don’t believe he would do that,”. 

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The Lakers hold the 17th pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Brinny James will be on the board too. But here is a common belief: they might use the pick to make a significant upgrade to the roster. Adding to it, Windhorst previously indicated that the elder of the James clan would be gone by the 55th pick, another selection the Lakers possess.

The insider does believe that James will consider his options depending on how the Lakers operate in the next two months. If they do make some promising trades, he might stay for another season, as the insider claims.

For LeBron James, he has also been a professional. While he has expressed his desire to play alongside Bronny one day, his stance on the issue has changed. During the press conference, the Lakers forward said Bronny needs to choose his own destiny. As far as staying a Laker goes, James could evaluate better opportunities.

With the option of becoming an unrestricted free agent, there are multiple teams lining up to make an offer to King James. The Philadelphia 76ers, equipped with MVP Joel Embiid, are supposedly leading that race. Having accepted an impending retirement in the near future, LeBron James might look to move and maximize his chances of competing for a title.

On the other hand, if the Lakers can manage to woo him with attractive trades that amplify their chances, he could decide to stay. Where do you want to see James next season? Let us know in the comments below.