"They Should Part Ways": NBA Legend Delivers Verdict on LeBron James' Return to Lakers

One of the biggest storylines of the 2026 offseason is LeBron James' future. For most 41-year-old NBA players, retirement would be the obvious next step. But James isn't like most players. According to reports, he's still chasing a fifth NBA championship and is expected to prioritize a team that gives him the best chance to compete for a title immediately. Re-signing with the Lakers, the franchise with which he won the 2020 NBA Championship, remains one option. However, one former Laker believes that's the last move James should make.

"I've said it for a long time that I think they should part ways," Scott said on the Fast Break podcast. A statement the three-time NBA champion admits has gotten him hate from James' fans.

"I think LeBron should go back to Cleveland, play a year there or two, whatever the case may be," Scott continued. "Don't get it twisted. He can still play."

According to Scott, this decision should come easily to the Lakers, given that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are set to be their future stars.

He added that, with their core contracts already in place, the Lakers should use their remaining cap space to improve the roster's depth. That means bringing in multiple younger players who can make an immediate impact.

Despite his age, James remains an elite contributor. He proved that last season by averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. For a player already in his 40s, those numbers aren't just good—they're remarkable.

However, re-signing James would also limit the Lakers' financial flexibility to add younger talent. It could also prevent them from pursuing other impact players if they have to wait until August for his decision, a timeline James has reportedly hinted at.

It's still unclear where re-signing with the Lakers ranks on James' list of priorities. Teaming up with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is undoubtedly appealing. But the opportunity to join forces with another all-time great who's also chasing a fifth NBA championship? That's the kind of scenario NBA fans can only dream about.

The Golden State Warriors Increased Their Chances to Acquire LeBron James

If LeBron James defers retirement this summer, some think he should go to a franchise with which he already has ties. Specifically, fans want to see him return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Narrative-wise, such a move makes sense. James is a native of Ohio. He also started his career with the Cavs when they drafted him in 2003. Going back to close out his career creates the perfect full-circle moment. However, another franchise wants him badly. One that he has a different kind of history with.

The Golden State Warriors were James and the Cavs' bitter rivals from 2015 to 2018. They battled in the NBA Finals for four straight years, and the Stephen Curry-led squad is a major reason that James is not a multi-time champion in Cleveland.

That rivalry soon passed when James moved to Los Angeles. But the heat of the rivalry mellowed down, and a few years ago, the Warriors began flirting with the idea of pairing Curry and Bron up.

Back then, that was the very definition of a pipe dream. There was no way the Lakers would give the four-time MVP up to a conference rival, and the Warriors just did not have the financial capacity to lure him in free agency. Now, though, there are legitimate talks that James could sign for way less than a max contract.

In fact, he could sign with Golden State on a non-taxpayer mid-level exception worth $15.1 million.

Draymond Green's decision to enter free agency, reportedly to give the Warriors greater salary-cap flexibility, could prove to be the first domino in an ambitious offseason. Golden State is also reportedly exploring a trade for Anthony Davis, who won a championship alongside James with the Lakers in 2020.

If the Warriors can pull off that move, a core featuring Davis, Stephen Curry, and Green could become an even stronger selling point for James. For a player still chasing a fifth NBA title, the opportunity to reunite with Davis while joining another proven championship core might be difficult to ignore.