
Do the Lakers Really Want LeBron Back? Can They Really Afford to Let Him Go?
From Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers by Locked On Podcast Network, Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
June 5, 2026 · 39 min · Episode 2768
About this episode
The episode discusses the complexities surrounding LeBron James's potential return to the Lakers and the team's future dynamics.
The Lakers are in a bind. It doesn't seem like they are clamoring for LeBron James to return... but they also may not be able to afford to let him go. James, for his part, has decisons to make. What does he value most next year? Is it a paycheck that aligns with his value? The best chance to compete for a title (all of it being relative)? Proximity to his family? The most comfortable atmosphere, with players whose company he values? There's a lot to unpack! So that's what we're doing, with the outstanding NBA writer for The Guardian, Claire de Lune. What are the dynamics of this relationship? Are the Lakers really thinking everything through? What exactly is LeBron looking for, here? Is it money? Respect? Some combination of the two? We break it all down... plus some talk about the NBA Finals, and how a seemingly minor sponsorship deal represents something bigger. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Finals! SEGMENT 2: What's the future for LeBron? SEGMENT 3: What do the Lakers want, exactly? Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more…
People in this episode
Hosts: Andy Kamenetzky, Brian Kamenetzky
Guest: Claire de Lune
Topics covered
- LeBron James
- Lakers future
- NBA Finals
- sponsorship deals
- team dynamics
Keywords
- LeBron James
- Lakers
- NBA Finals
- sponsorship
- team dynamics
- Claire de Lune
- Andy Kamenetzky
- Brian Kamenetzky
Sponsors
5-Hour ENERGY
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Guardian
More episodes of Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers
- Is the Lakers Front Office Ready for the Offseason? Who's Doing What? · June 12, 2026 · 36 min
- A Stunning Game 4 Comeback in New York, and an Intriguing Hypothetical Sign and Trade · June 11, 2026 · 39 min
- Projecting the Lakers Offseason: What Kind of Risks are Good Risks? · June 10, 2026 · 28 min
- What Does the Ideal Lakers Offseason Look Like? Guest, Raj Chipalu! · June 10, 2026 · 37 min
- Mitchell Robinson Linked to Lakers. Better Backup than Jaxson Hayes? · June 9, 2026 · 35 min
- Karl-Anthony Towns, Austin Reaves, and the Challenge of Being the 2nd Best Player · June 8, 2026 · 22 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers podcast page.