SUMMARY
- LeBron James could possibly remain with the Lakers by re-signing with them.
- The 39-year-old's departure could bring the Lakers organization to a standstill or make them work from the ground up once again.
Rumors about LeBron James possibly opting out of the final year of his contract have surfaced and this has left the entire LA Lakers fanbase concerned. It’s incredible that the Lakers have had the 4x MVP for the last six seasons. They did manage to win a title in 2020, but it all went downhill since then.
For quite some time now, the purple and gold have been trying to figure out solutions to several issues that they’ve dealt with over the years. One of them happens to be James’ fast-approaching retirement. The superstar himself has stated that retirement is right around the corner but he just doesn’t know when.
LeBron James is expected to opt out of his deal with the Lakers, per @DanWoikeSports
“The coaching hire is the first step in an offseason during which the team is facing crucial roster decisions, particularly with James. James is expected to opt out of his current contract.… pic.twitter.com/ot8is7omKZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 21, 2024
James does have a year left on a two-year extension he signed in August 2022. He has the opportunity to opt in for a $51.4 million salary next season and then test free agency or opt out this year.
What happens if LeBron James parts ways with the Lakers?
For six seasons, LeBron James has been at the forefront of the Lakers roster. He is the biggest reason they won an NBA title in 2020 and the inaugural In-Season Tournament in 2023. Overall, James has been their best scorer ever signing with the organization. He’s averaged 27 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8 assists per game during his tenure in LA.
But the 39-year-old has also provided the Lakers with support in all aspects of the game. From facilitating to defending and scoring, you name it, James has done it. So if 20x All-Star leaves the organization, they will be left with Anthony Davis to lead the team. Davis, though a very impactful first option has never actually been the “army general” type of a player James has been throughout his career. That’s precisely what’s helped James’ teams to succeed. And this also means the Lakers would have to start from the ground up once again.
LeBron James’ possible plan to test free agency is a classic trick
There are a few reasons why LeBron James will not leave the city of Los Angeles. The biggest reason is his family. Since moving to LA, the James clan has settled in quite well. Bronny just went through an entire year of college, Bryce and Zhuri are currently in school at the moment. Additionally, with how Bronny’s workouts have been going, it seems like the Lakers are most likely going to draft him.
What is Bronny James’s ceiling? pic.twitter.com/WSOsQh4DA5
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) May 23, 2024
James might also opt out to re-sign with the Lakers for what’s most likely going to be his last contract in the NBA. He is eligible to sign a three-year $162 million deal which is the maximum teams can offer him due to his age. Opting out of his final year would draw him closer to retirement. James may not want to continue performing due to the number of injuries he’s been enduring lately.