Immediately after the Lakers season came to an end a week ago by being swept in the second round by the reigning NBA champions, the Thunder, questions immediately came swirling around LeBron James.

Would he play another season? And would it be with the Lakers?

ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania was asked on “The Pat McAfee Show” what the future holds for James.

“I do know a lot of teams are calling him and his camp,” Charania said. “I spoke with Rich Paul the other day at the Chicago Draft Combine last week and he told me like every contender in the NBA is essentially since the season ended, placed a call.”

With interest in the four-time MVP simmering, James still has to determine whether or not a move will happen.

If he decides to return for his 23rd season, he will be 41 years old. Father time is slowly chasing him down, but James is still competing at a high level. He finished last season averaging 21 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

With Luka Doncic missing the entire postseason and Austin Reaves the start of the postseason, James still guided the Lakers past the Rockets in the first round before running into the juggernaut defending champs.

But still showing he can play at a productive level this late into his career, Charania believes James needs more time with his family and inner circle to discuss his future.

“I’ll have a conversation with my 12-year-old daughter, that’s a big factor,” James during exit interviews last week. “And my 19-year-old son [Bryce] is entering his second year at Arizona. And my wife as well. They’re a huge factor in any decision I’ve made, so they’ll be a big part of it as well.”

While most people associated with the NBA believe James will return next season — he was too good in the postseason not to — the biggest question is if it’ll be in Los Angeles or elsewhere?

As for JJ Redick and Doncic, it’s common sense to want James back with them after what transpired this past season.

When James embraced being the team’s third option in March, the Lakers went on a 15-2 run. Their offense was virtually unstoppable. Doncic was averaging 37.5 points a game. Reaves was the second option. And James acted as the ultimate Swiss Army Knife, averaging 18.5 points on 56.2% shooting, 6.9 rebounds, seven assists and 1.3 steals. 

It’s unprecedented that a player of James’ caliber who could’ve been the first option on many teams was willing to take a backseat. It’s an unimaginable ask for an all-time great who still has his powers. 

But James was willing to do it. 

The result was a 4-2 upset victory over the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs before being swept by Oklahoma City in the second round. James averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game in the postseason, number that were higher than his regular season.

While teams are reaching out, Charania noted that the Lakers would still like to keep James in the building as they are chasing down their 18th championship in franchise history.

“I don’t think anyone would hold it against him. But I think the expectation has been that probably you’re gonna get one more and we’ll see if he’s gonna be with the Lakers or somewhere else,” Charania said.

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