Lakers' major caveat could persuade LeBron James to return for final year with Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a playoff run that will be led by LeBron James to start. The veteran is excited to get the postseason underway.

“It’s going to be litty. It’s going to be crazy. I’m looking forward to it. I mean me personally like I don’t know how many more postseasons I got left in my career. And we talked about this a while ago, like getting ready for the postseason, like that moment, like it doesn’t matter what you did in the regular season. That sh*t is out the window now. Like it. Doesn’t matter. Like it starts again. This is it. So, I’m excited, man. I can’t wait,” James said.

The question remains whether this will be his final run. However, Stephen A. Smith believes he will return for at least one more season.

“I think he will be back next year. He should be back next year because the brother deserves his farewell tour. LeBron James should be celebrated city to city. I think his farewell tour should be comparable to that of MJ. He’s done that much for the league,” Smith said.

There is also growing belief that the Lakers hold one key advantage over other teams if James decides to return: money.

“But according to Windhorst, there aren't any NBA teams that will be capable of giving LeBron something in the realm of a $35 million deal, which bodes well for a Lakers return. While plenty of squads would absolutely love to sign LeBron to the mid-level exception, Windhorst suggested that James will be able to make more by signing a new deal with the Lakers,” Lake Show Life’s Colin Keane wrote.

James returning to Los Angeles would be significant, especially alongside Luka Dončić. If the Lakers are also able to bring back Austin Reaves, the trio could have another opportunity to make a deep run together.

The Lakers’ cap space this summer will play a major role in their offseason plans, including a potential return for James. Only time will tell, but the outlook is promising for Los Angeles.

More NBA news:

1. Lakers predicted to trade for $108M perfect Luka Doncic lob threat, replace Deandre Ayton

2. Lakers' $16M former first-rounder drops hint on future plans with LA ahead of Rockets series

3. Lakers predicted to sign $109M Finals champion, All-Star amid LeBron James succession plans

4. Lakers' LeBron James makes playoff mentality very clear amid Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves absence

5. Lakers $16M veteran reportedly looking to save his future amid Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves absence

6. Lakers reportedly set to part ways with $4.2M former first-rounder after lackluster season

7. Lakers insider says all signs point toward $101M superstar re-signing to play with Luka Doncic

8. Lakers predicted to sign $82.5M defensive menace, Finals Champion to build alongside Luka Doncic

9. Lakers' $16M veteran could be saving grace amid faltering season without Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves

10. Lakers reportedly relying on $51M inconsistent starter for playoff success alongside LeBron James