LeBron James and Lakers: Why Their Mutual Need Makes a Return Complicated

Dave McMenamin May 13, 2026, 07:00 AM ET Close Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN. Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09. Follow on X

_Originally reported by [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48755780/los-angeles-lakers-lebron-james-needs-return-la-why-not-simple)._