LeBron James ‘in all likelihood’ will re-sign with Lakers

It seems LeBron James will stay in Los Angeles, but the Lakers likely won’t get a definite answer until we’re further into the offseason.

With the Lakers done playing basketball, all eyes are focused on how the team will improve during the offseason.

While improvements can come from upgrades at certain roster spots, one key is keeping what works, particularly your stars like LeBron James.

With James under contract but holding a player option for next season, it's been reported that he will decline that option and become a free agent this summer.

Before Lakers fans panic about not having the King in Los Angeles, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN spoke during a segment on NBA Today about the most likely scenario being LeBron staying with the Lakers.

“We all know in all likelihood he’s back with the Lakers. It will just depend on the structure of a deal – two years, three years, perhaps – after he opts out.”

It's been reported that James would be aiming for a multi-year deal this summer, so this news is more of an update on the situation staying the same than it is earth-shattering news.

With James, 39, entering Year 22, it makes sense he wants something more than a one-year deal.

He has defied science with his longevity, but how long can that last? A longer-term deal ensures he maximizes his money and doesn't have to worry about an injury ending his career and forcing his decision regarding retirement any earlier than he'd like.

Opting out will also give James more control over what happens with the Lakers. If he doesn't like the head coaching situation or doesn't feel the team is doing enough to win, he can walk away and not have to deal with it.

The Lakers will have to make sure LeBron is happy, which gives him a hand on the wheel he may not have had during this season.

The Lakers' future may be uncertain, but if James returns, this team will be, at minimum, a playoff team in a brutal Western Conference.

If the Lakers go big-game hunting and win, they can take that basement and raise this team's ceiling to a title contender. If not, then this will be a glorified multi-year farewell tour for LeBron in Los Angeles.

Let's see if vice president of basketball operations Ron Pelinka can get on the phone and cook up another elite roster in July. If he does, then James can re-sign, get his fifth ring and the Lakers can hang banner No. 18.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.