Skip Bayless makes bold prediction on LeBron James’ Lakers future

Skip Bayless strongly believes that LeBron James still has one more year in him, with the star forward having just completed his eighth season with the Los Angeles Lakers and 23rd overall in the NBA. However, if this were to happen, the long-time analyst believes it would be with another team.

“I’m assuming 1) LeBron will play at least one more season, and that 2) it will be elsewhere,” Bayless posted on X after the Lakers’ playoff exit on Monday.

James will hit unrestricted free agency this summer after completing his two-year, $101 million deal with the Lakers. The 41-year-old forward will bide his time during the offseason to choose whether to play at least one more season or retire from the game altogether.

MORE: LeBron James has many options for next season, only one makes sense

If he decides to play next season, he can re-sign with the Lakers, as general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick said they would welcome his return. However, the team also has Austin Reaves’ impending free agency to deal with.

LeBron James urged to consider joining the Golden State Warriors

For what it’s worth, another sports commentator, Stephen A. Smith, listed his top five options for James next season. Among the options the veteran ESPN analyst presented was James joining the Golden State Warriors. Smith highlighted James’ on-court chemistry and relationship with Stephen Curry as a major reason why the move makes sense.

“Can you imagine if LeBron James and Steph Curry teamed up with one another? Could you imagine? Oh, my Lord,” Smith explained on his show.

“Do you have any idea how many assists he’ll average? LeBron James could walk up the court and simply kick it to his left or his right, wherever Steph Curry is, and watch him launch from 30. LeBron might average 20 assists a game,” he added.

To Smith’s point, James and Curry provided a glimpse of the potential star pairing, as they were the central figures behind Team USA’s gold medal campaign during the 2024 Olympics in Paris, taking over their knockout games against Serbia in the semifinals and France in the final.