Report goes against popular belief about LeBron James' Lakers future

And aside from roster construction and the potential awkwardness of continuing with James as he's not the focal point of the team, the NBA's tight salary restrictions make paying big money to a third option an incredible challenge. 

The Lakers, who are currently 33-21 and in fifth place in the Western Conference, would put themselves at a severe disadvantage in terms of building a team that could compete for a championship with James back at his current salary. 

Will LeBron James agree to reduced salary to make a return to Lakers work? 

So if McMenamin's report is accurate, would James consider a return, and maybe a farewell tour, on a much more team-friendly deal? 

James has accepted less than his market value in the past, most famously to join the Miami Heat and former a "Big 3" with his friend Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but he has not shown an interest in doing so in recent years. 

Prior to his current salary of $52.6M, James made $48.7M for the 2024-25 season and $47.6M for 2023-24. 

To James' credit, he has never made any mention of being unwilling to play for a reduced salary, and he's also been a productive player when healthy. In fact, James was even so dominant in the Lakers' last game prior to All-Star Weekend that he made more NBA history. 

LeBron James is still a productive player

James, a four-time NBA champion and league MVP, is averaging 22.0 points, 5.8 boards and 7.1 assists while shooting 50.2% from the field through his 36 games played so far this season. 

So it now appears James will have a big decision to make whenever the Lakers' postseason run comes to an end. He can either retire and go down as arguably the most decorated player in league history, decide to find a new team — many believe he could be interested in one last chapter in Cleveland — or stay in Los Angeles on a contract that would still provide flexibility.