“I don’t see why not”

LeBron James made headlines by hinting at a possible retirement this season after being eliminated in the Western Conference Finals last month.

These rumors may end up being just that. Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy says he expects James to return next season, and he’s No. 21.

“I don’t see why not,” Handy said. “That’s the plan. That’s the plan.”

Handy is the Lakers’ player development coach and bench assistant during games. He has been an assistant with the Lakers since 2019. Handy has reached the NBA Finals as an assistant in six consecutive seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and Lakers.

LeBron James contract details

James has two years left on his contract. He has a player option in the second season. He will be 39 next season.

James is set to make $46.6 million next season, the most of any Laker. His player option is worth $50.4 million the following season.

The Lakers have many unofficial decisions to make. Four of their young players who contributed to the playoff run will be free agents this offseason.

Austin Reeves has greatly increased his stock and has become a consistent member of the starting rotation throughout the playoffs. The Lakers will have to match any offer sheet Reaves receives in restricted free agency to bring him back. Reeves said he wants to return to Los Angeles, but he could receive offers of up to $80 million, which the Lakers may be hard to come by.

Rui Hachimura will also be a restricted free agent. Reports say he will be looking for a deal worth around $20 million annually. His current deal has him set to make $8.4 million next season if he returns to Los Angeles in the final year of his deal.

D’Angelo Russell will be an unrestricted free agent. Early reports indicate that the Lakers may allow Russell to find a new home or use him in a signing and trade deal. Or they can return it to a pre-loaded deal.

Lonnie Walker has featured heavily in a few playoff games this season. He will also be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Contributing guard Dennis Schroeder will also be a free agent this season.