Skip Bayless makes bold prediction on LeBron James’ Lakers future

TL;DR

Skip Bayless predicts LeBron James will play one more season, likely with a different team. He will become an unrestricted free agent this summer after his contract with the Lakers ends.

Key points

Skip Bayless predicts LeBron James will play one more season.
LeBron will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The Lakers are open to re-signing LeBron James.

Mentioned in this story

LeBron JamesNBASkip BaylessRob PelinkaJJ RedickAustin Reaves

Los Angeles Lakers

Skip Bayless strongly believes that LeBron James still has one more year in him, with the star forward having just completed his eighth season with the Los Angeles Lakers and 23rd overall in the NBA. However, if this were to happen, the long-time analyst believes it would be with another team.

“I’m assuming 1) LeBron will play at least one more season, and that 2) it will be elsewhere,” Bayless posted on X after the Lakers’ playoff exit on Monday.

James will hit unrestricted free agency this summer after completing his two-year, $101 million deal with the Lakers. The 41-year-old forward will bide his time during the offseason to choose whether to play at least one more season or retire from the game altogether.

MORE: LeBron James has many options for next season, only one makes sense

If he decides to play next season, he can re-sign with the Lakers, as general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick said they would welcome his return. However, the team also has Austin Reaves’ impending free agency to deal with.

May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Q&A

What did Skip Bayless say about LeBron James' future with the Lakers?

Skip Bayless believes LeBron James will play at least one more season, but it will likely be with another team.

When will LeBron James become a free agent?

LeBron James will become an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his two-year, $101 million deal with the Lakers.

What are the Lakers' plans for LeBron James if he decides to play next season?

The Lakers' general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick have expressed their willingness to welcome LeBron James back if he chooses to play next season.