LeBron James‘ latest decision has generated quite a lot of attention from NBA fans. Most of the basketball world will know that King James’ eldest son Bronny James was recently drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. By doing so, NBA history is being made given the fact that there has never been an NBA father-son duo on the court at the same time.
BREAKING: LeBron James is opting out and becoming a free agent, per @ShamsCharania
A return to the Lakers is likely pic.twitter.com/70U8v0TEMG
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 29, 2024
Heading into the draft and the upcoming season, LeBron had a player option on his contract with the Lakers. Many assumed that his continuing to stay with the Lakers was a factor in their decision to draft Bronny James. Therefore, fans were confused to find out that LeBron had opted out of his player option with the Lakers and was going to enter free agency.
Fans realize LeBron James is helping the Los Angeles Lakers
Things have certainly gone LeBron’s way this offseason. The Lakers hired JJ Redick and drafted Bronny James. Both of these moves could have only convinced LeBron to stay with the team. Therefore, fans realized that there was an ulterior motive for his decision to enter free agency, “Just getting a new deal, probably cheaper so they can sign some guys.”
Just getting a new deal, probably cheaper so they can sign some guys
— Agenda (@Agenda__Pusher) June 29, 2024
Since LeBron would be earning around $50 million with the Lakers on his current contract, he can cut that deal short and sign a newer contract. One that would allow for the team to give contracts to other players that they want to retain or bring over.
A pay cut for the 🐐 to strengthen the roster would go CRAZY🤩
— Mr. Unbiased (@UnbiasedHoopsLA) June 29, 2024
Most definitely returning to the lakers lol
— Gonna (@0xGonna) June 29, 2024
While LeBron James has achieved his dream of playing alongside his son, the fact remains that he would still like to contend for an NBA championship for as long as he stays in the league. That is the only explanation for why he has decided to opt out and become a free agent. Or so one might assume.
What contract will the Lakers offer LeBron James?
It is also possible that LeBron does not care about winning more NBA championships and is simply trying to get an understanding of the offers that other teams are willing to make for him. Since the Lakers got Bronny James, this is nothing more than a theory at this point in time.
In any case, the Lakers will not be the ones making the decisions on the negotiation table against LeBron James. If he cares more about winning titles, he will take a substantial pay cut. On the other hand, Los Angeles will be prepared to offer him a larger long-term contract if he cares more about getting paid.