Famous reporter Shams Charania talked about the career prospects of Lakers forward James when participating in the podcast "The Pat McAfee Show".

Shams said that James "is likely" to execute the $52.6 million player option in his contract next season and return to the Lakers.

Shams said: "I was told that he is likely to exercise the contract option. He has a huge player option, about $54 million or $57 million. That is likely to happen and it is his plan. But the deadline for him to exercise the option is June 29, so he still has a month to figure out what to do. There will be some difficult conversations between him and the Lakers to see how the team is doing. Because whether LeBron plays another season or multiple seasons, he wants to be in a competitive environment. I said on the show at the end of the season that he would probably exercise the contract option because the player option is of great value and will bring flexibility, allowing you to figure out whether to renew the contract on this basis or this is his last season in his career? In fact, this will be the 23rd season on the 23rd, and Los Angeles will also hold the All-Star Weekend. In my opinion, this will be a storybook ending. But this will be a major decision he needs to make. However, the Lakers' top goal this offseason is to find a center and strengthen the players on the wing." James needs to decide whether to exercise the option before the deadline on June 29 local time.