LeBron James is guaranteed to do something for the first time, as his future with the Los Angeles Lakers is in doubt.
LeBron James is entering his 23rd season in the NBA. He is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and is going for his fifth NBA title this season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to reports, James was considering leaving the Lakers this offseason. But he now looks set to suit up alongside the newly signed Luka Doncic as a title contender for the upcoming season. An insider said the 40-year-old is set for an NBA first this year, however.
LeBron James is guaranteed to be a free agent in 2026
Former NBA executive and NBA insider Bobby Marks said the only guarantee for James is that he’s going to be a free agent next summer, and that’s a first for him.
Writing for ESPN, he explained, “The only guarantee is James will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, and if he does play an unprecedented 24th season, it will likely be with a team that can win a championship.
“Free agency next offseason is looming because James opted into his $52.6 million player option for this season. This is the first time in his career that the 40-year-old is not under contract for an upcoming season.”
James considered retirement going into this season, so this assumes that he decides to stick it out for another year in 2026. His only goal is to win a fifth title, so if he doesn’t think the Lakers can win a championship, James will leave the Lakers.
He may not be the priority free agent next summer, however, as a number of All-Stars and NBA all-time greats could hit the market.
LeBron James among NBA stars who can become free agents in 2026
If James can maintain his miraculous All-NBA level into his 23rd season, he will be a target for a title contender to acquire on a short-term deal. But there could be some big-time players hitting free agency with him.
Trae Young is in a contract dispute with the Atlanta Hawks and was disappointed not to receive a contract from his team this summer. He has one year left on his deal and could become eligible for a deal worth around $315 million if he achieves All-NBA status.
Young is one of the elite playmakers in the NBA, and would interest a number of teams around the league who are one move away from contention.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets future is in doubt. He was traded to the Rockets this offseason, with Houston hoping Durant can lead them to the championship this season.
The Rockets are hesitant to give Durant big money long-term, and while Durant is willing to take an offer under the max, the Rockets could offer him significantly less money than he wants.
Durant can pass Michael Jordan on the NBA’s all-time scorers list this season. Like James, he would be of interest to almost any team with title hopes.
This offseason was quiet, with no superstar movement. But 2026 could be entirely different.