Lakers rumors: Brian Windhorst reveals what LeBron James is prepared to demand from LA

LeBron James is set to hit the open market of free agency this offseason. The kid from Akron has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), the Miami Heat, and most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers. As one of the best players in NBA history, he has always demanded big paydays, and he has always been highly coveted by teams around the league.

This offseason will be a weird one for James, though. The Chosen One is already 41 years old and has plenty of options to choose from this offseason. James could return to Los Angeles, where his son, Bronny James, is under contract. A reunion with the Cavaliers or Heat has also been rumored, as has a potential departure to the Golden State Warriors.

Brian Windhorst spoke on James’ offseason decision on the Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast. The NBA insider revealed that James is waiting on the Lakers to approach him with a plan. James is willing to hear out a contract offer from Los Angeles, but if it is for less than the maximum, then he will need to hear out why and agree with the plan of where the Lakers plan to allocate their funds with the money saved.

“LeBron has to work out his future with the Lakers first, before any other future happens,” Windhorst said. “From what I am told, the LeBron side is waiting for the Lakers to come to LeBron. They are not going to go to the Lakers and say ‘We would like a contract extension, please’.”

If James decides to leave Los Angeles, Windhorst noted that a sign-and-trade would offer him the best chance to make significant earnings with a new team. The Cavaliers, Warriors, and Heat are candidates to offer a minimum contract.

The ball has historically always been in James’ court when it comes to free agency. That won’t necessarily be the case this offseason. Regardless, all NBA fans will be on the edge of their shift waiting to see where James plays in 2026, if he decides to play at all.

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