Exec Details Win-Win LA Lakers & LeBron James Contract Terms That Both MUST Consider

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect A rival executive broke down the new contract the Los Angeles Lakers should give LeBron James , and it feels like a win-win for both sides. On Monday, the Lakers saw their 2025-26 campaign come to a disappointing end when the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a dominant four-game sweep in the semifinals of the NBA playoffs. After their 115-110 loss at home, the speculation about James’ future immediately kicked off.

Over the next few weeks, the 22-time All-Star must decide if he wants to play one more season in the NBA. If he does return for a 24th season, while there will be interest from other teams like the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers , a return to the Lakers makes the most sense. “It’s just hard to fit him anywhere,” a West scout told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps on Friday.

But James won’t come cheap, and the chances of him taking a veteran’s deal to chase a title don’t make business sense for him. “By our metrics, he remains a top-25 player in the league, and if not for his age, we’d probably assess him at near max player level,” an East team strategist also told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Should the LA Lakers offer LeBron James a one-year deal with a no-trade clause?

So what sort of deal should the Lakers offer that makes sense for them in the short and long-term, but doesn’t offend one of the greatest players of all-time, who is still playing at an All-Star level at 41 years old? An executive from an Eastern Conference team has an idea. “I’d pay LeBron whatever he wants as long as it’s a one-year deal, no player option.