LeBron James has never been interested in taking a pay cut, being the savvy businessman that he is. Unfortunately, the Lakers can't afford to pay James his full value after this season. The Lakers will almost definitely ask LeBron to take a pay cut if he wants to return in 2026-27. Lakers will reportedly ask LeBron James to take a pay cut in 2026-27Los Angeles will pay Luka Doncic $49.8 million next season. Otherwise, Bron would be facing an identical pay cut situation over there.