CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

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Ricardo Sandoval

By Ricardo Sandoval

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Los Angeles Lakers could ask superstar forward LeBron James to take a massive pay cut this season as he enters free agency.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst shared on Get Up Thursday morning.

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James is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

More news: LeBron James Reportedly Didn’t Influence Lakers’ Bronny James Pick

Windhorst said the Lakers are 'most certainly' going to ask James to take a significant pay cut if he wants to return to L.A. for the 2026-27 season. If he decides to return or continue to play, James would enter an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA.

James is currently making $52 million this season. His annual salary this season represents a significant portion of the Lakers' overall salary, as he is among the highest-paid players on the team.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 129-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

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Will LeBron James Stay With the Lakers Past This Season?

Last summer, James picked up his $52.6 million option for the 2025-26 season, with no long-term extension signed. His future in the league and certainly with the Lakers is in limbo. Nonetheless, the situation is fluid with the 2026 trade deadline approaching and free agency being a crucial point as James, his camp, and the Lakers have a ton to think about.

The 41-year-old superstar is one of the more decorated and accomplished players in any sport. The 21-time All-Star has done it all in his career, as he is a four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA MVP, four-time NBA Finals MVP, the league's all-time leading scorer, 21 All-NBA nods, five-time All-Defensive teams, a scoring champion in 2008 and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

James has seen it all and done it all in his illustrious career.

On Wednesday, the Lakers took on James’ former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, during their only trip to Cleveland this season. Many wondered if it would be his final game in front of his former fans. After the game, James offered no definitive answer.

"I'm just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted," James said. "Because it could be [my last season]. I obviously haven't made a decision on the future, but it very well could be."

A decision on whether James will continue his career is set to be announced soon.

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