Could LeBron James Actually Leave the Lakers Next Season?

So, after 22 seasons, 21 All-Star appearances, four MVP awards, and four titles (with three different teams), is this when NBA all-time scoring leader LeBron James decides once again to change teams? 

As of this early-May writing, James and the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the 2025 NBA playoffs. LA lost in five games to the lower-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in a 3-6 opening-round pairing. 

It’s two seasons in a row that LA was dusted in the first round of the postseason, thrice in James’ seven seasons in SoCal. 

Now, the speculation surrounding the 40-year-old James’ future is one of the storylines around the league. He is, by his own design, now a free agent (that after a two-year contract extension signed in July of 2024). Odds are prohibitive (1-10, [-1000]) he returns to the Lakers, with retirement as the 10-1 (+1000) second choice. 

James has been remarkably consistent throughout his career. LeBron James’ stats include averages of 27 points, 7½ rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. He’s been on the floor nearly 38 minutes per game and made more than half of his shots. That’s a good way to accumulate more than 42,000 points.

Here’s a bit of a primer on James in particular and the history of titles in the NBA…

How Many Rings Has LeBron Won?

Four, as in 2012 and ‘13 with the Miami Heat, 2016 with the hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, and 2020 in the ‘bubble’ with the Los Angeles Lakers. James’ teams made the NBA Finals eight consecutive seasons (2011-18 inclusive). It’s no surprise he was Finals MVP each season his team won the title.

Who Has the Most NBA Rings? 

We need to be a bit more specific when tackling this question, since the overall leader is Phil Jackson. Jackson’s 13 rings include two as a player in NBA games with the New York Knickerbockers and 11 as a coach (six with the Chicago Bulls and five with the Los Angeles Lakers). Bill Russell’s 11 titles with the Boston Celtics are more than any other player, and both totals figure to stand the test of time.

Who is the NBA Player with the Most Rings? 

As was mentioned, Bill Russell was the cornerstone of the dynastic Boston Celtics, winning 11 titles over a 13-season period (1956-57 to 1968-69). Russell was a player-coach for three seasons (1966-67 to 1968-69) in Boston, replacing Red Auerbach.

Who is Favored to Win the NBA Finals?

It’s the Oklahoma City Thunder as minus-money (-105, to be exact) to win what would be the franchise’s first title since leaving Seattle, according to NBA odds. Odds are fluid throughout the postseason, though OKC has remained the choice since the start of the playoffs and the results on the NBA schedule.

Any Final Thoughts?

LeBron James’ stats surely make him a first-ballot Hall of Famer. LeBron James’ net worth (north of $1 billion) means he could probably buy his way into Springfield, though not necessary. 

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