The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers have made key decisions about their star players heading into the next NBA season. Despite widespread speculation, James Harden is staying with the Clippers, and LeBron James is expected to continue playing for the Lakers in 2025-26, with Harden staying with Los Angeles Clippers remaining the central focus.
After a season that ended without a championship, the Lakers faced questions about their future roster moves. Yet LeBron James maintained a high level of play, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. Meanwhile, the Clippers, who acquired Harden in a major trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, looked to rebuild after an early playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets.
James Harden contributed significantly throughout the 2024-25 season, posting averages of 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, but the Clippers still fell short of a deep postseason run. Speculation about both stars’ futures persisted until ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst offered insights during his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show.
Expert Insight Clarifies Future of Harden and LeBron
Brian Windhorst highlighted the limited free agent market and the likelihood that both Harden and LeBron would remain with their current teams.
“I also think we’re going to see this action around the draft. There’s not a lot of free agent money out there,”
Windhorst said.
“There’s not a lot of big-name free agents. The two biggest are James Harden and LeBron James. Both of them I think are staying with their teams. LeBron might not even opt out.”
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN Analyst
This suggests that LeBron James could opt into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season with the Lakers. Similarly, Harden is expected to stay with the Clippers, either by opting into his existing deal or negotiating a new contract.
Implications of Player Decisions for Lakers and Clippers
The agreement to retain both franchise players signals stability for the two Los Angeles teams amid a competitive Western Conference. The Lakers plan to move forward with LeBron James leading their roster. On the other hand, the Clippers will continue to build around James Harden while seeking greater postseason success after their recent first-round exit.
With limited activity expected in free agency and no major player departures anticipated, fans can expect these core players to be central figures for their teams next season. The decisions also set the stage for upcoming draft strategies and potential roster adjustments around these stars.