Amazingly, LeBron James is still going strong in his 21st NBA season, averaging over 25 points each contest. The NBA’s oldest player isn’t supposed to be this good, but we’ve grown to expect great performance from the Los Angeles Lakers standout.
While James and the Lakers are currently doing brilliantly, we could be watching his final moments in Los Angeles. Currently, James earns $47.6 million this season, but his future with the Lakers is questionable due to his $51.4 million player option for 2024-25. It is up to James to decide whether he will stay with the Lakers for another year or test NBA free agency later this summer.
However, NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes there isn’t much of a decision to choose. He expects James to be a free agent.
“I believe LeBron will opt out no matter what. And the reason I believe he would opt out regardless is that even if he only signs back for one year, the only practical way for LeBron to obtain a no-trade clause is to sign a new contract. He cannot receive a no-trade clause if he extends the contract he is in or if he chooses to exercise that option. And I believe that for a variety of reasons, LeBron would prefer, request, and most likely receive a no-trade provision.
Bronny, James’ kid, has already declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and entered the transfer portal to keep all possibilities open. If Bronny receives positive feedback that implies he will be picked higher than expected, he might join his father in the NBA in 2024.
If that’s the case, LeBron has already stated that he’d do all in his power to join his son on the same team. In other words, if Bronny enters the NBA and does not sign with the Lakers, LeBron will likely opt out of his deal to play with his son elsewhere.
