LeBron James signals Lakers loyalty as ESPN insider says Lakers deal talks are underway

Nick Wright joins Colin Cowherd to discuss the trades for A.J. Brown and Myles Garrett, the matchup between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, and if LeBron James should go to the Golden State Warriors.

LeBron James’ basketball future will once again loom over the NBA offseason.

James’ free agency status this summer opens the door for him to potentially switch teams for the first time since 2018. But questions remain about whether will decide to play elsewhere or close the chapter on his storied career.

As questions swirl about James’ future, ESPN reported that James representatives and the Lakers are engaged in talks the structure of a new contract.

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Lakers forward LeBron James stands on the court in the closing minutes of Game 4 in the second-round NBA playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Los Angeles on May 11, 2026. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)

If James returns for a record 24th season, he appears focused on getting a deal done with the team he has spent the past eight seasons with — the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I think LeBron James’ intention is to play, and I think the focus right now is making a deal with the Lakers," ESPN's Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland radio Tuesday. "Right now, he’s allowed to negotiate with the Lakers, and I believe they are negotiating. I believe they’re going back and forth."

"In the next 14 days, I think he’s going to try to make a deal with the Lakers," he continued.

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James is already the league's longest tenured player.

LeBron and Savannah James first began dating in high school. The couple shares three children, including Bronny James who