LOS ANGELES — After eyebrow-raising comments by LeBron James leading up to the trade deadline and continuing through All-Star Weekend caused the basketball world to speculate about his future with the Lakers, James made a few things very clear Friday night.
To begin with, he wants the Lakers — his team for the past four seasons of his 19-year career — to be the final franchise he plays for.
“This is a franchise I see myself being with. I’m here. I’m here,” James said after the Lakers’ 105-102 loss to the LA Clippers. “I see myself being with the purple and gold as long as I can play.”
Along with that aim, James, who is under contract for one more season and will be eligible to sign a two-year extension this summer worth north of $97 million, would like to play in the NBA alongside his 17-year-old son, Bronny, who is a junior in high school.
“I also have a goal that, if it’s…
