LeBron James Likely Playing On for Lakers or Cavs

Merlin hears the league is leaning toward LeBron James playing past the 2025-26 season, with ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill noting, "If he were retiring the league would know it because the league would want to celebrate him..." LeBron has "no idea" what he plans, but his numbers — 22.0 points, 7.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 50.2 percent shooting — keep interest high around the NBA and make immediate retirement less likely. Merlin sees friction in Los Angeles, with reports that Jeanie Buss has "privately grumbled" about his influence, yet the Lakers would welcome him back and a Cleveland reunion looms if he hits free agency. The decision will force the Lakers to choose between veteran continuity and a younger rebuild, and the league will watch every move like a spell being cast.