Report: LeBron expected to stay with Lakers for rest of season

LeBron James is expected to finish out the 2025-26 campaign as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

James is in the final year of his contract and hasn't announced whether this will be his last season.

The 41-year-old's agent said in the offseason that four teams showed interest in acquiring the four-time MVP, but James, whose contract contains a full no-trade clause, hadn't requested a move. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in September that the organization would "love" for James to retire with Los Angeles.

A report last week indicated that James' hometown Cleveland Cavaliers would welcome back the Akron, Ohio, native if he wanted to return for a third stint with the club next season. The Cavs reportedly acquired James Harden from the L.A. Clippers on Tuesday.

James is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in 31 games in 2025-26. The Lakers enter Tuesday sitting sixth in the Western Conference.