Windhorst: Lakers may be bidding against themselves for LeBron James

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to meet the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the futures of several of their key players past this season remain uncertain. The biggest domino to fall in that regard is, of course, what LeBron James will do.

He will become a free agent after the conclusion of the playoffs, and while he may not retire, it is anyone's guess whether he will remain with the Lakers or join another team. While people have felt at times this season that it is likely he will leave, perhaps to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, there seems to be a growing feeling that the likeliest outcome is James saying put.

Brian Windhorst, who has covered James since the superstar was in high school, broke down the financial realities that could result in James still wearing a Purple and Gold jersey this fall.

“I have specifically spoken to people on both sides of the negotiation, without trying to get into the weeds,” Windhorst said. “I've specifically had this discussion, ‘What do you think his value is in the 2026-27 NBA landscape, what is his value?’ Knowing that there’s no teams with cap space out there that are come in and say, ‘LeBron, here’s $35 million to play for us.’ Yeah, the [Golden State] Warriors or the Cavs or team X would take him for the Mid-Level Exception or the minimum. Of course. But there’s no team out there that’s going to clear $35 million or $40 million out and say, ‘LeBron, come to us.’ So, who are the Lakers bidding against? I talk to both sides, and I don’t hear an answer.”

While the Warriors and Cavaliers will likely be extremely limited in how much money they can offer the four-time MVP, is expected to have roughly $50 million in salary cap space this offseason.