LeBron James still aspires to play in the NBA despite approaching his 40th birthday next year. But could LeBron turn into a player-coach? It’s a thought-provoking concept. Darvin Ham was fired by the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, therefore his future with the team is still undetermined. LeBron might take over as head coach of the Lakers while he’s still playing, which is an interesting thought, but it’s unlikely to happen. If LeBron and the Lakers were serious about making it happen, it would definitely be a more involved process than just appointing him head coach.

In the salary cap period, which started with the 1983–84 season, the NBA essentially prohibited teams from having player–coaches, according to a 2004 ESPN article. By paying a player-coach less as a player and more as a coach, teams might get around the salary cap.

LeBron James, for instance, can receive a contract from a team that is significantly less than what is expected of a player of his caliber. Then, as a coach, the team could overpay him. It was obvious that the league sought to close this gap. There were several player-coaches prior to the salary cap being implemented in 1983–1984. Beside Bill Russell and Bob Cousy were two of the greats who were player-coaches.

Maybe the player-coach will come back eventually. However, the NBA would have to make sure that a player-coach could not circumvent the wage cap. That might be accomplished by having the player instruct for “free” while still receiving their regular player salary. Multiple levels of permission would also be required, perhaps from the Board of Governors, the NBPA, and the league at the very least. Even if LeBron and the Lakers wаnted something to happen, there’s no guarantee it would.

Still, if LeBron decides to go down that route, he would undoubtedly make a fantastic NBA head coach in the future. For the time being, his main goal is to end his playing career.

Future NBA career of LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter of game four of the 2024 NBA playoffs first round at Crypto.com Arena versus the Denver Nuggets. 

During the 2024–25 season, LeBron will have a player option. He has the option to withdrаw and become a free agent for what could be the last time. The fact that Bronny James registered for the 2024 NBA Draft is one aspect of James’ potential free agency to take into account. There have been rumors circulating that the Lakers would consider picking Bronny in order to retain LeBron as well.

LeBron reportedly wants to play with his son for at least a year. Thus, should Bronny be selected by a team—the Lakers or any other team—that team will be immediately associated with LeBron.

James naturally desires to take home yet another championship. He’s already won four NBA Finals, but he would just be one championship short of Michael Jordan’s six if he could add at least one more to his record.

There are also unanswered questions regarding the Lakers. In the NBA playoffs of 2024, they were defeated in the opening round. Darvin Ham was let go by LA, and they plan to make roster adjustments in the offseason.

Their approach will probably be influenced by LeBron James’ choice to enter the free agency. Should he sign with another team, maybe LA will attempt to rebuild. But if James rejoins the Lakers, there won’t be any other choice for the squad but to pursue a title.

LeBron James is not likely to become a player-coach, to answer your question. However, regardless of who is hired, LeBron can just keep coaching himself off the bench as we all know he enjoys doing frequently.