LeBron James’s future hinges on health and drive. Windhorst projects a 2026 unrestricted path if the Lakers don’t lock him in, and retirement chatter persists despite elite production at 40. A possible global league led by Maverick Carter and BeoBasket ties into broader plans. The Lakers extended Luka Dončić and added pieces but did not commit long-term to James beyond this season, while Jokić’s next deal remains a 2026 milestone for Denver.