LeBron James, a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers and a 20-time All-NBA selection, has a player option worth $51.4 million for the 2024-25 NBA season. Although he has until June 29 to decide, it seems like he has already made up his mind, even though he hasn’t officially confirmed it.
Dan Woike from The Los Angeles Times reports that James plans to decline the contract and become a free agent without restrictions for the first time since 2018. At the age of 39, the 6-foot-9 superstar might not hold the title of the league’s best player anymore, but he still carries weight on the court.
The circumstances surrounding James’ choice
James’ choice to decline participation shouldn’t be interpreted as a message that he intends to depart from Los Angeles. Alternatively, it could indicate his knowledge of the team’s present position. The Lakers have faced difficulties in recent years, achieving a 90-74 record and not managing to clinch a seed better than No. 7 in the Western Conference. Even though James is still considered an All-Star, he admits that his current team may be farther away from competing for a championship compared to his previous teams.
The Lakers have allegedly shown they are open to keeping James under his own conditions, just like they did with legendary shooting guard Kobe Bryant towards the end of his playing days. Even though Bryant’s performance dropped from All-Star level, the Lakers still appreciated his popularity and legendary reputation. James still possesses the ability to deliver impressive performances, which is equally important for the team.
Possible Future with Bronny James
There has been discussion surrounding James’ interest in teaming up with his son, Bronny, who has announced his entry into the draft and is expected to be a borderline second-round selection. The Lakers seem keen on pursuing Bronny, but James has recently lowered expectations by not firmly committing to play wherever his son is drafted.
Joe budden cohost Melyssa Ford says she found it super weird the la lakers would hire JJ Redick as a coach . Is Lebron James making the decisions for the lakers franchise ? pic.twitter.com/5FB0f7aok5
— joebuddenclips (@Chatnigga101) June 22, 2024
James’ Present Performance
Even as he approaches 40 years old, James continues to surpass expectations with his performance. In the previous season, his stats included 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. Despite potential changes in his focus towards mentoring and guiding younger players, his impact in games remains prominent.
Offseason Plans for the Lakers
Given that James will soon become a free agent, the Lakers will probably base their offseason plan on his choice. They might want to improve the team to provide strong support for James, considering making trades or signing free agents to increase their chances of winning a championship.
The broader perspective
The possibility of James becoming a free agent brings an interesting element to the Lakers’ offseason story. His impact in the NBA is already solidified, however, his decisions in the final stage of his career will influence the near future of the Lakers and the league. James’ choice, whether to stay in LA or venture elsewhere, will have a significant impact on the 2024 NBA offseason.