Is LeBron James preparing to re-up with Lakers?
One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers is the potential future of superstar forward LeBron James, who just turned 39-years-old in December.
James isn’t currently eligible for an extension, but will have a $51.4 million player option this offseason that he can ultimately opt out of and sign another multi-year deal that could exceed $100 million.
According to ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst, who’s covered James in multiple capacities throughout the majority of his career, it’s possible his tenure in Los Angeles could extend beyond 2023-24.
“I don’t think this is LeBron’s last stand, I don’t think this is the Lakers’ last stand,” Windhorst said last week on First Take. “First off, I think LeBron is angling to sign a multi-year deal in the offseason with the Lakers that will be nine figures.
“That will be even bigger than the deal he is on now. Now, whether or not he’s able to finish that deal, whether or not the Lakers want to give him a three-year contract and pay him $60 million when he’s 42 years old, that’s a different discussion.”
Even though he may not be as springy as he was at the start of his career, James is still a freak of nature who’s still one of the best players in the sport. Even though the Lakers have struggled and are in the play-in chase, James is averaging 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.3 steals, shooting 52.4 percent from the floor and 40.1 percent from 3-point range.
Perhaps the biggest determining factor for where he plays is whether his son, Bronny, decides to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft. He is not listed on ESPN’s Top-100 big board (at the time of this publishing), and it’s undetermined whether or not he will declare.
Not including James, the Lakers will have 11 players on guaranteed contracts (four player options) and just six in 2025-26 (one restricted free agent), according to Spotrac. Only one team is expected to have any cap space next year.
Assuming he opts out and does not re-sign, in a market where being over the luxury tax has roster-building constraints, how many other teams would be willing to pay James entering his age-40 season? That’s what they would have to ask themselves–especially if they’re willing to draft Bronny James (should he declare).
Whether or not James stays in Los Angeles will be one of this offseason’s biggest storylines. Do you think he stays beyond 2023-24? Let us know in the comments!
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