The Los Angeles Lakers finished their season after a second-round exit, as they were swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers had their ups and downs in 2025-2026 and seemed to hit their stride as a team in February and March. 

Things took a turn for Los Angeles when star players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sustained injuries that kept them out for a significant period of time. 

This was LeBron James' 23rd season, and this was a unique one for him as he took on the role of a third option behind Doncic and Reaves. Once they went down, James was back to being the primary player on the Lakers' offense. 

James, 41, averaged 20.9 points per game, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. James also played 60 games during the regular season. 

This summer, LeBron will be an unrestricted free agent. He has yet to make a decision on whether or not he will play or retire, but James could finish his career in another uniform. 

According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN, LeBron James and his camp are asking for a maximum contract from the Lakers this offseason. If they don't offer him the deal, he'd like an explanation as to why that is. 

The Lakers and LeBron James seem to be going in two different directions. The Lakers want to prioritize Luka Doncic and build the roster around him, while LeBron James is doing everything he can to compete for a championship while making as much money as possible. 

James is 41 years old and is clearly on the tail end of his career. The Lakers can choose to keep him around, but giving him a maximum contract could be detrimental to the franchise. What helps the Lakers is their flexibility with their salary cap. 

Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic take up the bulk of the salary, but after that, the Lakers have many players who are on cheaper contracts or are entering free agency. 

Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard are set to become unrestricted free agents this summer. Both players were crucial during the Lakers' playoff push in February and March. These are players the Lakers should prioritize bringing back, as they provide a lot of offensive spacing. 

Los Angeles will also look to upgrade their frontcourt this summer, and it will have to be through a trade or free agency. The Lakers' centers struggled during the playoffs, and it needs to be a point of emphasis to improve. 

While it may be nice for fans to see LeBron end his career playing alongside his son, the Lakers are looking to establish a winning culture and take advantage of Luka Doncic's prime years, and James may not fit within that direction.