# Do the Lakers Really Want LeBron Back? Can They Really Afford to Let Him Go?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-lakers-daily-podcast-on-the-los-angeles-lakers-174397/do-the-lakers-really-want-lebron-back-can-they-really-afford-to-let-him-go
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-lakers-daily-podcast-on-the-los-angeles-lakers-174397/do-the-lakers-really-want-lebron-back-can-they-really-afford-to-let-him-go.md
Podcast: [Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-lakers-daily-podcast-on-the-los-angeles-lakers-174397)
Published: 2026-06-05T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-lakers/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/eb23db/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/c593713c-dc78-452c-bfcd-8dced052a6fd/episodes/716faa9b-6978-49d2-9ca7-0fc7b1e840e5/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=c593713c-dc78-452c-bfcd-8dced052a6fd&awEpisodeId=716faa9b-6978-49d2-9ca7-0fc7b1e840e5&feed=x50dM5D_
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Duration seconds: 2356

## Resource

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 — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGYIgnite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com. BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp.Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. KALSHIFor a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.…

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