Photo Credit: ESPNWith the Los Angeles Lakers in Cleveland to face the Cavaliers for a game nationally televised on ESPN, the Inside the NBA crew discussed the NBA future of current Lakers and former Cavaliers star LeBron James during NBA Tip-off on Wednesday night. James, 41, is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025-26 NBA season. Shaq and Kenny Smith think LeBron James will keep playing next season. But I do believe he’s definitely coming back at least next year.”Charles Barkley was next to offer his thoughts on the future of LeBron James. Charles Barkley on LeBron James: “There’s one thing I’m sure of- this is his last year with the Lakers.