Among the many talented veterans on the Oklahoma City Thunder roster, there was one who made a lasting impression on James: Alex Caruso, his former Lakers teammate. In the aftermath of watching Caruso close in on his third NBA Finals appearance, the 41-year-old legend found himself thinking fondly of the reunion and their brief time together in Los Angeles.

“I miss [Alex Caruso] every single day, every single day,” said James on the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast with Steve Nash. “To be able to compete against him, in a playoff series, it’s everything.”

LeBron recognizes Caruso’s great utility

LeBron misses him, and with good reason, as he is a difference-maker for OKC, which is already a team loaded with elite talent, but Caruso shines because of the additional areas he covers, serving as a defensive master who takes care of the heavyweights.

“Two things are for certain: if you wanna compete, AC’s gonna be right there. He’s gonna get underneath you, he’s gonna grab you, hold you, he’s gonna compete, and he’s gonna do it at a professional level. AC’s not gonna beat himself; you have to play that chess game with AC, understanding where he is on the floor. He’s damn good with his hands; you can’t play with the ball around him because he will take it from you. So, you have to be very strategic with your movements,” James added.

“Offensively, you have to be very strategic with your body positioning with him. But it was great to compete against him. I already knew he was guarding me every time he came off the bench, no matter if Dort was on the floor or not. I knew AC would check me because we have so much history.”

Caruso’s numbers

In total, over his first four seasons, Caruso averaged 5.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 42.3% shooting and 29.3% shooting from three. He was considered a favorite among fans, but his stay would last only until 2021, when he joined the Chicago Bulls.

For his part, Caruso is making his case as one of the greatest role-players ever, and it’s a sentiment that LeBron himself might agree with. While he’s always been a consistent and reliable contributor off the bench, he’s been a hero for the Thunder this year, with Game 1 being his greatest performance with 31 points, two rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks on 57.9% shooting and 57.1% shooting from three.

Amid the uncertainty over his future with the Lakers, Austin Reaves was spotted at the airport, where a fan asked him questions about him and LeBron James. TMZ Sports acquired the footage and released it on social media, where Austin Reaves’ body language and words suggest he is fully inclined toward extending with the Lakers and wants them to sign the 41-year-old LeBron James as well.

“Yes,” Reaves said when the fan asked him if the Lakers want LeBron James back next year. “That’s the GOAT.” The fan then reminded him how sad it was to see the Lakers’ playoff run without Luka Doncic and asked him if he wants to have another shot with the Lakers’ Big Three next season. “Run it back,” Reaves responded. He was subsequently asked if he feels the Lakers should make roster changes in the offseason, replying, “I don’t get into all that. I’ve got to sign first.”

Austin Reaves and a decision to make

While LeBron James is already an unrestricted free agent, Austin Reaves has yet to pick up his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season. The absolute deadline for him to decide on that player option is June 29. If the Lakers and Reaves do not come to terms on a potential extension before that time, and he does not exercise his player option, then even Reaves would become an unrestricted free agent.

All signs are that Reaves will exercise the player option if the negotiations do not yield fruit in time, as he has repeatedly suggested that he wants to retire in the purple and gold uniform.

Moreover, he would potentially be leaving $62 million on the table if he joins any other team than the Lakers. The Lakers could offer him a five-year, $240 million extension, while any other team can offer a four-year, $178 million contract at the most.

But whether LeBron James will “run it back” with him and the Lakers remains uncertain. The 41-year-old is mulling retirement, but sources suggest LeBron James will play at least one more year in the NBA.

“He has the ability to do things that we haven’t seen in our league ever,” James remarked during a Mind The Game interview. LeBron noted that Wembanyama‘s maturity is evident in his approach to the professional game, adding, “You could tell by the way he talks, you could tell by his demeanor, like you know he knows the game.“

James also pointed out the historical luck of the Spurs franchise in landing transformative big men throughout the decades. “San Antonio continues to get lucky as f— with these generational, talented, IQ, smart guys,” he said, specifically referencing the lineage that includes Hall of Famers David Robinson and Tim Duncan.

Is Wemby the future for the Spurs?

LeBron is particularly impressed by the “horse blinders” mentality Wembanyama shares with past Spurs legends, noting that for Victor, “the mission is the mission, and that is all that matters.” This dead-serious focus has already translated into historic production, with the young center averaging over 25 points and 11.5 rebounds in the 2025-26 season.

Wembanyama has almost single-handedly revitalized the San Antonio defense, leading the NBA in blocks and forcing opponents to completely abandon the paint. His ability to hit step-back threes at his height makes him a matchup nightmare that even a veteran like James admits is “pretty remarkable to see” in person.

If Wembanyama can continue this trajectory, he is expected to push the Spurs back into championship contention much faster than typical rebuilding timelines suggest. With the front office focused on surrounding him with elite playmakers, the “Wemby era” looks set to dominate the Western Conference for the next decade and beyond.

Speaking on his Mind the Game podcast, LeBron argued that the Lakers weren’t necessarily outplayed strategically, but rather suffered from a severe talent disparity. “We were not outworked. We were not, you know, they didn’t out-physical us. They didn’t outsmart us. I feel like we were just out-talented, you know, by OKC. They just possess so much more talent,” LeBron told co-host Steve Nash during the episode.

While his comments initially read as a critique of the roster’s depth, they were directly tied to Doncic’s costly absence. The injury left the team entirely top-heavy, leaving Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, and LeBron himself to carry a shorthanded rotation against a dominant top-seeded Thunder squad.

Los Angeles simply lacked the counter-punches to match OKC’s deep rotation, which featured major contributions from breakout guard Ajay Mitchell alongside back-to-back MVP winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Now, LeBron and the Lakers front office are forced to look ahead to a critical offseason defined by impending roster shuffles and free-agency departures.

LeBron weighs in on his looming free agency

Following their definitive series loss to OKC, speculation regarding James’ future has reached a fever pitch. Rumors are swirling across the league, fueled by fresh midweek reports indicating that LeBron plans to play one final season—though exactly which jersey he will be wearing remains a major question mark.

LeBron addressed the ongoing speculation on his podcast, emphasizing that he is in no rush to make a decision. “I’m just trying to relax on that situation. I haven’t really thought about it so far, and I understand that I’m a free agent and I can control my own destiny… but I haven’t really gotten to that point. I haven’t even taken my family vacation yet, and that’s kind of at the forefront of my mind right now,“ LeBron remarked.

Thunder facing injury uncertainty ahead of Game 3

As for the team that eliminated the Lakers, the Thunder find themselves in a dogfight in the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. OKC bounced back with a crucial Game 2 victory on Wednesday night, successfully leveling the series as it shifts venues.

However, the victory came at a steep cost. Budding star Jalen Williams exited early in the first quarter with left hamstring tightness and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. It remains to be seen if the vital forward will be cleared in time for a pivotal Game 3 matchup.

The Miami Heat legend shared these insights during a recent appearance on the Wy Network. “I’m just here to appreciate what I’m witnessing… because we’ve never seen this before. It has to s— a little bit to get to this point in your career and still be really good,” Wade remarked.

Wade further elaborated on the contrast between his own retirement and the situation James currently faces as he navigates his 23rd professional season. “It’s hard to make that decision when you’re still really f—- good…. how do you walk away from being a GOAT when you’re still a GOAT?” Wade asked, emphasizing that LeBron‘s skill level remains a barrier to exit.

James’ recent seasons and elite production

Statistically, LeBron has defied the typical aging curve, maintaining a staggering scoring average over the last five years that rivals most players in their physical prime. Since the 2021-22 season, he has consistently averaged over 25 points per game, including a 2025-26 campaign where he continued to carry a massive offensive load for Los Angeles.

Although the “King” hasn’t captured an NBA championship since the 2019-20 bubble season, his trophy case has not stopped growing during this late-career stretch. He was notably named the inaugural NBA Cup MVP in 2023 and earned the Olympics MVP honors in 2024, proving he can still be the best player on the floor in high-stakes tournaments.

Many league insiders believe that James is strategically positioning himself for one final championship run before finally calling it a career on his own terms. Whether he eventually retires with a fifth ring or not, his current output suggests that, as Wade noted, walking away from greatness is much harder when you are still performing like a legend.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James’ future in Los Angeles hinges on three critical factors. First, his relationship with head coach JJ Redick remains a massive plus; James reportedly feels the Redick hire is “one thing the Lakers got right.”

However, internal friction remains after James reportedly felt “taken for granted” by GM Rob Pelinka. Specifically, McMenamin point to a moment where Pelinka awarded Redick a game ball after a victory that saw James break the NBA’s all-time wins record, a gesture James reportedly viewed as a slight.

Finally, the Lakers‘ reported approach to negotiations will be vital; James is closely monitoring how much interest the front office shows in a long-term commitment and whether they expect him to take a pay cut.

James has already issued a statement regarding his future, though questions linger after the Lakers were swept 4-0 without Luka Doncic by the Thunder. The failure to lead Los Angeles back to the Finals has only intensified the scrutiny on the roster’s current construction.

Pelinka’s stance on the James era

The ball is firmly in Pelinka’s court. If the GM can navigate these delicate interpersonal dynamics, James could return for at least one more run. With retirement rumors circulating more heavily than ever, Pelinka must find a way to align the organization’s goals with the superstar’s expectations.

In his season-ending press conference, Pelinka struck a conciliatory tone, praising James for his unprecedented longevity. “We probably haven’t seen a player that has honored the game to the extent that he’s honored the game,” Pelinka remarked. “He’s given so much to his teammates and to this organization. The thing we want to do more than anything else is honor him back.“

A potential “retirement roadmap” may be on the table. Pelinka acknowledged that James deserves a send-off befitting one of the greatest players in history, signaling that the Lakers are prepared to show the level of appreciation James feels has been lacking.

What’s next for the LakeShow?

As both parties head into the summer to regroup, the focus will soon shift to an aggressive offseason. The Lakers are expected to explore every avenue to bolster the roster, with rumors already swirling that the club could target Luka Doncic as a potential centerpiece to usher in a new era of Lakers basketball.

Mitchell’s meteoric rise is underscored by his shift in usage; during the regular season, he appeared in 56 games but earned just 16 starts while averaging 25.8 minutes. However, the postseason has been a different story, with Mitchell cracking the starting lineup in six of eight games and letting his elite playmaking do the talking.

Averaging 22.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.8 steals on an efficient 56.3% shooting during the Western Conference Semifinals, Mitchell was a driving force in OKC’s series win. His standout play helped send the Lakers packing and fueled further speculation regarding LeBron James’ potential retirement this offseason.

This leap in production marks a massive year-over-year improvement for Mitchell, who spent much of last season buried on the bench with only one start in 36 appearances. Now, as the Western Conference Finals loom, he has cemented himself as a vital weapon for head coach Mark Daigneault.

Mitchell’s breakout campaign by the numbers

Beyond his heroics against Los Angeles, Mitchell’s consistent statistical growth forced Daigneault’s hand, making him an undeniable choice for the starting five during high-stakes playoff matchups.

Here is a look at Mitchell’s evolution from the regular season to the postseason:

• Regular season stats:
  • Games Played: 57
  • Minutes Per Game: 25.8
  • Points Per Game: 13.6
  • Assists Per Game: 3.6
  • Rebounds Per Game: 3.3
  • Steals Per Game: 1.1
  • Field Goal Percentage: 48.5%
  • Free Throw Percentage: 87.0%
• Playoff Stats:
  • Games Played: 8
  • Minutes Per Game: 29.8
  • Points Per Game: 18.8
  • Assists Per Game: 4.9
  • Rebounds Per Game: 4.0
  • Steals Per Game: 1.4
  • Field Goal %: 47.2%
  • Free Throw %: 91.2%

As the Thunder await their next opponent in their quest to become back-to-back Western Conference champions, they clearly have a rising star in Mitchell. Paired with Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren, Mitchell rounds out a formidable young core that appears ready to dominate the league for years to come.

Adding to the complexity, Maxi Kleber is set to become an unrestricted free agent after a season where he provided veteran spacing and defensive depth. Meanwhile, Luke Kennard also hits the open market as an unrestricted free agent; he earned $13.2 million last year while serving as a primary perimeter threat for a team that struggled with consistent outside shooting.

Austin Reaves is another critical piece of the puzzle as he weighs a $14.9 million player option following a productive campaign as a secondary playmaker with LeBron James, who had a message for Reaves after the elimination. His decision will significantly impact the team’s backcourt rotation and financial flexibility, especially as they look to retool a roster that failed to secure a single victory in their final postseason series this spring.

Lakers’ free agency situation

The most significant storyline revolves around LeBron James, who could hit unrestricted free agency after playing under a massive $59.5 million deal. James continues to be the focal point of the franchise’s championship aspirations, and his potential departure or a new contract negotiation will dictate exactly how much cap space the front office can utilize to improve the supporting cast. LeBron revealed postgame he will take his time to decide about his future.

Beyond the superstars, the Lakers must manage the futures of veteran guard Marcus Smart and athletic big man Jaxson Hayes to round out their rotation. Smart holds a $5.4 million player option that could provide defensive grit, while Hayes is set to become an unrestricted free agent after earning $3.4 million, leaving the team’s frontcourt depth in a state of flux.

With eight potential players hitting the market, including the league’s all-time leading scorer, the organization faces a key summer to avoid another early exit. Management will need to balance lucrative veteran contracts with younger talent to ensure the Lakers remain competitive.

LeBron James revealed to the press after the game that he still doesn’t know what his future holds and that he will think about it with his family. “I don’t know, obviously. We’re still fresh from losing. I don’t know what the future holds for me… I’ll go back and recalibrate with my family and talk to them, spend some time with them, and when the time comes, you guys will know what I decide to do.”

LeBron came off a great season, considering he is 41 years old, but we have to be aware that whatever his decision is, all that is left is to applaud him. He finished with 20.9 PPG, 7.2 APG and 6.1 RPG in the regular season, and in the playoffs, he averaged 23.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG and 7.3 APG, in addition to leading and surprising against the Houston Rockets in the first round.

LeBron happy with his season

During the press conference after the game, LeBron also demonstrated satisfaction regarding his performance this NBA season, which keeps getting more complicated because of his age.

“Listen, s****, I left everything I could out on the floor. … I’m not looking at my year as a disappointment, that’s for damn sure,” LeBron said. And there is a lot of truth to that. The closest example we have is the series against the Houston Rockets, where he once again became the first option without his two-star teammates, who were injured (Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves).

And in this season, we saw LeBron in a different role on the Lakers, handing the baton to the next generation, and we saw him in a role we had never seen before, as in certain moments, he was the third option inside of JJ Redick’s system, and he acknowledged it.

The 41-year-old player had never experienced being a third option or role player on a team throughout his career. “I’ve never been a third option in my life. To be able to thrive in that role for that period of time and then have to step back (into the lead role),” James said.

According to a report on X by Dan Woike, the NBA‘s all-time leading scorer immediately went over to console his teammate after the final buzzer. “‘Helluva shot. Keep your head up,'” Austin Reaves said LeBron James told him during their embrace, later adding that the superstar veteran “…has meant a lot to my career” throughout their time playing together in Los Angeles.

Despite that final miss, Reaves has been a consistent spark for the Lakers during this postseason, averaging 14.7 points and 3.7 assists per game against the Thunder’s elite defense proving that he remains one of the team’s most reliable scoring options even under the immense pressure of playoff elimination.

The future for Reaves and James

Reaves and James both face uncertain summers as they are set to enter free agency following the Lakers’ postseason exit. James remains a statistical weapon, having averaged 20.9 points and 7.2 assists during the 2025-26 regular season, while Reaves with only 51 games played did as much as he could to help the team get to the playoffs.

Throughout the 2026 playoffs, the duo carried the offensive load, with James logging heavy minutes and Reaves shooting nearly 37% from deep in high-pressure situations. Their on-court chemistry was a rare bright spot for a roster that struggled with depth, proving that even as James enters his 24th season, the partnership remains a viable foundation for a competitive NBA offense.

The Lakers’ front office now faces a massive decision on whether to offer the lucrative long-term contracts necessary to keep this tandem together in Hollywood. Retaining Reaves is seen as a priority for future stability, while keeping James ensures the team stays relevant in the championship hunt, though it may limit their flexibility to rebuild a roster that ultimately fell short.

After the 2025-26 season, James’ contract with the Lakers will be up. He will become an unrestricted free agent, and the thought of that has sparked debate in NBA circles about whether or not the league’s longest career will finally end.

The Lakers star is 41 years old and has not indicated that he plans to retire. It appeared as though the one certainty was that this would be James’ final year with the Lakers. There was the odd public statement by James’ agent, Rich Paul, last offseason, along with insiders like Marc Stein reporting that the star would either retire or sign elsewhere this summer.

Amid this chatter, James has been linked to the Golden State Warriors and to rumors of a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, in search of a championship in his city before retirement. However, James has made no secret about his affinity for Steph Curry throughout his career.

Would LeBron be happy with retirement?

During an April 29 interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James admitted that he has thought about retirement. James revealed he plans to spend a lot more time with his wife, Savannah James, and family whenever this day comes.

“Hell yeah. My wife is going to get a lot of [expletive] time because I’ve had to sacrifice not being with my wife a lot because I wanted to be the greatest player that ever played this game,” James responded when asked about retirement.

“… My family deserves all my time. And then, me. I deserve my time, too. Because I’ve dedicated to this sport for so long that I’ll be happy as [expletive] when it’s all done to get the [expletive] away and give myself some grace.”

LeBron James’ contract

In 2024, James signed a two-year, fully guaranteed $101.35 million contract with Los Angeles. Per year, he has earned $50.67 million on that deal. James began his Lakers career in 2018, signing a four-year, $153.31 million deal to join the team. In 2021 and 2023, he signed two maximum veteran extensions to remain with the Lakers.

The option of staying with the Lakers

The easiest option for James would be to renew with the Lakers and continue playing alongside his oldest son, Bronny James. Does James really want to start over at this point in his NBA career? Signing with the Warriors or the Cavaliers does not guarantee him a fifth championship.

With the way the Lakers played when James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves were all healthy, the superstar may feel like there is some unfinished business in Hollywood. Until James says differently, do not be surprised if the superstar is once again wearing a Lakers jersey next season.