The first domino to fall when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers‘ offseason is what LeBron James decides to do with his player option for next season. He seemed to leave the door open to immediate retirement right after the Lakers were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs, but many, if not most, expect him to be back for at least one more season.

What he does after next season could be the real question. He will likely want a farewell tour during his final season, and his youngest son Bryce, who will start playing at the University of Arizona this fall, will be eligible for the NBA draft next year.

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Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report gave his predictions for a number of prominent players who could be free agents this summer, and he feels James will stick around for at least a little while.

Via Bleacher Report:

“He holds a $52.6 million player option for next season, per Spotrac, and there could be some interest in simply picking it up,” Buckley wrote. “If he made clear this would be his last go-round, the Lakers could celebrate his every step on a season-long farewell tour, which would conveniently include an L.A.-based All-Star Game.

“Maybe he’s not interested in putting that much finality to it, though. Not with his son, Bryce James, potentially becoming draft-eligible in 2026. LeBron lasting long enough to team up with Bronny James is incredible, but suiting up alongside both of his sons would certainly hold some appeal.

“Look for James to give himself a bit of wiggle room, then, by declining his option and re-signing with the Lakers on a two-year, roughly $105 million deal with a player option on the second season.”

It was previously reported that James would be willing to take a pay cut this summer in order to help Los Angeles bring in a key free agent or two. But a more recent report indicated that he probably won’t end up doing so.

Once James leaves the Lakers, they will have to find a second superstar to place alongside Luka Doncic, which obviously won’t be easy, and they may not even land such a player. Thus, they need James at this point to have any chance of winning an NBA championship anytime soon.

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Despite turning 40 years of age, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds a game while shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from 3-point range this season.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Bleacher Report writer makes big prediction about LeBron James’ future