Do the Lakers Really Want LeBron Back? Can They Really Afford to Let Him Go?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers · Jun 5, 2026 · 39m

The Lakers are in a bind. It doesn't seem like they are clamoring for LeBron James to return... but they also may not be able to afford to let him go. James, for his part, has decisons to make. What does he value most next year? Is it a paycheck that aligns with his value? The best chance to compete for a title (all of it being relative)? Proximity to his family? The most comfortable atmosphere, with players whose company he values?

There's a lot to unpack!

So that's what we're doing, with the outstanding NBA writer for The Guardian, Claire de Lune.

What are the dynamics of this relationship?…