For the last few months, everyone has been discussing LeBron James’ immediate future with the Los Angeles Lakers after his agent, Rich Paul, issued a vague statement indicating that the two want to evaluate what’s best for James’ future moving forward.

For the first time ever, the superstar will be playing on the final year of his contract, and it is anyone’s guess what lies ahead for him beyond this coming season.

Advertisement

During an episode of ESPN’s “NBA Today,” insider Shams Charania relayed something that Paul told him about what type of mindset the Lakers should have regarding James as training camp approaches.

“I did speak to his agent, Rich Paul, at Klutch Sports today,” Charania said. “And he told me, ‘It’s important not to worry about the future when it comes to LeBron James. Just appreciate the present and also maximizing his present.’ And that onus potentially falling on the Lakers and what team they put around him.

“But it’s obvious, how does he feel about the Lakers going into the season? As the year continues on, can they be a contender moving forward?”

Charania also brought up something that has been mentioned as one thing that could prevent James from retiring next summer.

And I think the other thing that also sits here as well is Bryce James is going to start his freshman year at college. How does he look? How does he look as a prospect? How does he play into the 2026 NBA Draft?”

The elder James recently said that while his retirement “is coming,” it hasn’t arrived yet.

He will set a new NBA record next month by playing in his 23rd season, and based on how he did last season, he’s showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists a game and shot 51.3% overall and 37.6% from 3-point range, and he didn’t appear to be that much less athletic than he was several years ago.

Advertisement

Playing next to Luka Doncic, who is now the franchise’s cornerstone, should allow him to stay fresh more than ever before. But he is in uncharted waters as far as his career, as he has never not been the cornerstone of his team throughout his entire basketball career.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Rich Paul comments on Lakers and LeBron James’ future with them