With LeBron James entering the season with no contract beyond this year, Lakers fans believe this is the end of his time in a purple and gold uniform.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Los Angeles Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
LeBron James is a name that garners an emotion from basketball fans the moment you say it.
This summer, his intentions and actions have been overanalyzed to a point we haven’t seen in quite some time. What is known is LeBron opted into his contract with the Lakers and neither side discussed an extension.
With LeBron about to enter Year 23, a feat no NBA player has accomplished, and rumors swirling about him potentially asking out at some point, we asked Lakers fans in our latest SB Nation Reacts Poll if he’ll remain a Laker this season and how much longer he has left as a basketball player in Los Angeles.
When it comes to James asking out, 68% of Lakers fans don’t see that happening.
This is a very high number of fans thinking all the noise regarding James potentially asking out is just summer boredom.
Given that LeBron has never been traded midseason before, has always honored his contracts and just opted into his player option, James remaining a Laker for the 2025-26 season is the most logical conclusion.
Until we hear otherwise from LeBron or reports of actual conversations regarding a James trade, everyone should remove LeBron from the trade machine.
However, what happens next summer? As an unrestructed free agent, will LeBron return for Year 24? And if he does, will it be as a Laker?
Regarding if this will be LeBron’s final year as a Laker, 80% of fans think it will be.
All good things must come to an end.
Whether we like it or not, there can’t be much left of LeBron’s career. It’s interesting to wonder if these Lakers fans who think this is the final season James will be in Los Angeles also think this will be his last year of NBA play, but that’s a question for another day.
Hopefully, LeBron will give us an update on his basketball career. Does he plan on playing past this season? Will he give us enough notice for his last year so fans can prepare accordingly?
For now, it seems Lakers fans are certain this is the end of his purple and gold days. So, consider attending a Lakers game this year if you want to see LeBron play in Los Angeles at least one more time.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.