LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have expressed mutual interest in extending their partnership this summer, according to team and league sources. The desire is shared on both sides despite genuine retirement consideration and unresolved questions about salary and roster construction.

James, 41, said following Monday's playoff elimination that he will be "processing over the next couple weeks" before deciding his future. The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers could pursue him should he sense the Lakers are moving in a different direction. James first joined the Lakers during the 2018 offseason.

Should James depart, Los Angeles could generate close to $50 million in cap space by renouncing Bird rights to James and Rui Hachimura, a figure that could grow if Deandre Ayton or Marcus Smart decline their player options.

Any new contract would almost certainly represent James' first salary reduction across 23 NBA seasons. How far that number falls will depend in part on the roster moves Los Angeles can execute around Luka Doncic.

Despite preseason doubt about how James would handle a reduced role, the adjustment exceeded all expectations. The Lakers went 15-2 in March, ranking among the league's top 10 on both ends of the floor.

During that run, James produced 18.5 points, 7.0 assists and 6.9 rebounds on 56.2 percent shooting alongside Doncic, who averaged 37.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.4 assists, and Reaves, who contributed 21.5 points and 5.8 assists.

"Playing with AR and Bron, it's an unbelievable experience. They are two great players and it was really fun to share the court with them," Doncic said after the elimination.

Team sources maintain that viable paths exist to build a stronger roster around Doncic this summer, even with both James and Reaves retained.